Strafford, Vt. —
Frederick Joseph Henning (Fritz) died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017.
Born Aug. 11, 1920, in Chicago, Ill., Fritz was the son of Albin and Lila Henning. His father Albin was a successful artist/ illustrator and his mother was a virtuoso in the Chicago Opera for several years. Fritz was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Jane Bounty Henning and by sisters, Ruth Henning Clark and Marjorie Henning Montgomery.
Fritz is survived by four children: Frederick B. Henning, Lusaka, Zambia; Mark R. Henning, Ashland, N.H.; Ann H. Harper of Tucson, Ariz. and Meredith Jo Henning-Dyer, Strafford, Vt. Additionally, Fritz is survived by 13 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
Believing war in Europe was imminent, Fritz entered the New York State Merchant Marine Academy in 1939 and subsequently served as a United States Naval officer from 1941-1946 in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of the Second World War. He stayed on active duty in the United States Naval Reserve until 1956 and was discharged in 1965.
Like his father, Fritz was an artist and illustrator of books, newspapers and magazines. He also edited and authored several Art books.
Following his Merchant Marine and Naval service, Fritz worked as a staff artist for Eight Bells magazine, published by the Merchant Marines, and later worked for The Spokesman Review, a newspaper in Spokane, Washington, from 1946 to1951. In 1952, he began his career as a professional art instructor for The Famous Artists School, in Westport, Connecticut, working collaboratively with such artists as Norman Rockwell, Al Parker, Steven Dahonas, and Albert Dorne, were but a few. Fritz led the Famous Artists School as president from 1978 until its closing in 1982.
He continued his career as an Art Editor and writer for North Light Publisher, Fairfield Connecticut from 1982 to 1989, while also penning several art books of his own including: Drawing and Painting Animals and Concept and Composition. In his retirement he continued illustrating books and wrote a history of his family. Fritz also loved the challenge of composing limericks.
Fritz was an active athletic person, a self-taught carpenter, a leader in Little League baseball and he supported many community and local organizations with his artistic skills. He believed in brightening the corner where he lived.
Fritz loved animals and little children. Above all, he was devoted to his wife Jane; his entire family was the center of his life.
A graveside service will be held Friday, June 16, 2017, at 1 p.m. at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Randolph Center, Vermont.
In lieu of flowers, make contributions to your local animal shelter or homeless shelter – these are places Fritz thought should be supported.
A private message of sympathy for the family can be shared at www.boardwayandcilley.com. The Boardway and Cilley Funeral Home, Chelsea, Vt. is in charge of arrangements.