Karl Henning

Karl Henning, age 83, of Madison, died Friday, June 25, 2021, at the Good Samaritan Society in Howard. Visitation will be 9:00-10:00 AM, Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at the Ellsworth Funeral Home in Madison. Burial with military honors will follow the visitation at the Ramona City Cemetery.

Karl Stampe Henning was born December 23, 1937, in Los Angeles, CA. He attended Auto Mechanic trade school at 14, graduated from Loyola Catholic High School at the age of 19 in 1957, and was drafted to the Army in 1961. Although he had the desire to be on the frontlines, his education kept him stationed in the states while serving as one of the Head Electrical Engineers in Florida at NASA. His engineering expertise included working on Guidance System of The Minuteman Missile. After two years of service he relocated to Temecula, CA. There he met Evelyn Cortez Freeman and was married December 23, 1979. He was a loving stepfather to Desiree, Richard, Adrian and Tony Freeman and adored by his only daughter Velma Ruby Henning II. After the death of his father in July of 1990, he moved to Madison, to be closer to descendants of his maternal family, Bob and Bonnie Graff, and Dennis and Donna Rensch. He had the fondest memories of his mothers’ childhood farm in Ramona, SD where he spent many summers. During his time in Madison, he worked independently recycling and removing scrap metal, as he referred to as KSH Salvage. During the winter he would travel to Clayton, NM to continue his work. He was quite the character with his unique personality, humor, hidden admirations, and numerous talents. Sharing his accomplishments was his favorite pastime to anyone who would listen.

He was survived by his stepchildren, his only daughter Velma Ruby Henning-Castilleja of Lake Elsinore, CA, his two grandchildren, Arturo Anthony Henning-Aranda and Trenidad Andrew Castilleja III. He was also blessed and survived with his great-grandson Anthony Hayze Aranda and unborn great-grandchild due in January of 2022. Karl was loved greatly by his family and friends and will be forever missed and loved for the cherished memories of vast talents and knowledge he always spoke of and taught. He has passed on his strengths and love of South Dakota and the life he lived will stay in our hearts for eternity.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepson Tony Freeman.

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