Randy W. Henning Jr., age 50, beloved father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, passed away August 10, 2025, surrounded by people who loved him almost as much as he loved making them laugh. Born and raised in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, graduated from Bremen High School, and attended Northern Illinois University in DeKalb as part of the PHI (Program for Hearing Impaired).
Randy loved exploring Chicago and could find his way around its streets, trains, and CTA lines like a human GPS. He loved taking his daughters, April and Charlotte, for "Dad adventures". April and Charlotte weren't just his daughters; they were the light of his life, his partners-in-adventure, and the stars of every story he told. If his girls were there, it was his happiest place.
Randy's superpower was making people feel welcome. Whether it was a summer campground feast, a backyard BBQ, or one of his legendary "just because" dinners, nobody ever left Randy's table hungry.
Known for his adventurous spirit, enormous heart, and the kind of bear hugs that could reset your whole week, Randy was "everyone's friend." He adored his family, his friends, and his faithful dog Dakota. A plumber by trade and a helper by heart, Randy was the guy you called when you needed a hand, a laugh, or a shoulder to cry on-especially if your pipes burst, your water heater went on strike, or your sump pump decided to take the day off.
Randy is survived by his parents, Eileen and Randy Henning Sr.; his daughters, April and Charlotte Henning, and their mother, Jen Wagner; siblings Nicole (Tony) Figliulo, Katie (Chris) Freeman, Charmaine Henning, Eddie Henning, and Mike Henning; his beloved nieces and nephews-Vinny, Autumn, Kristen, Bella, Collin, Julie, and Connor-and a sprawling crew of aunts, uncles, and cousins, plus a circle of friends who were like family. He was preceded in death by his sister, Kristen Henning.
Randy leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, adventure, and generosity. His warm smile, quick wit, epic campfire meals, and countless tales will keep him alive in the hearts of everyone lucky enough to know him.
Visitation, Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Chapel Service at Vandenberg Funeral Home, 19604 S. Wolf Rd. Mokena, IL 60448. Interment will be Private. For more information (708) 479-1210 or www.vandenbergfuneralhome.com
Vandenberg Funeral Home Mokena
Vandenberg Funeral Home Mokena
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