WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Matthew J. Henningsen, age 59, of Sturgis, passed away on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at University Hospital in Ann Arbor after a courageous battle with cancer. Matt was born in Paw Paw on April 18, 1962, a son of Friedrich and Doris (Kowalk) Henningsen. He graduated from Centreville High School in 1980, Glen Oaks Community College in 1982, and Western Michigan University in 1986. He later obtained his Master’s Degree in Athletic Administration from WMU. On July 30, 1988, he married Cindy Cotter at the Centreville United Methodist Church.
Matt taught at Harper Creek Schools from 1986 until retiring in 2017. He was a dedicated basketball, football, and baseball coach for more than 40 years. Matt loved the outdoors, sports, going snowmobiling, hunting, and spending time with his family and friends. He attended Radiant Life Church in Sturgis.
Matt is survived by his wife Cindy Henningsen of Sturgis, sons Michael Henningsen of Erie, Pennsylvania and Matthew Henningsen of Sturgis, sister Laurie (Jon) Krum of Schoolcraft, sister Cheryl (John) Adams of Georgia, step-brother Eric (Hanna) Gustafson of South Carolina, and several nieces, nephews, extended family, in-laws, and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Doris Henningsen and stepmother Anita Henningsen.
Relatives and friends will be received Tuesday from 2 to 8 PM at the Eley Funeral Home in Centreville. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11 AM at Radiant Life Church in Sturgis, with Pastor Ryan Bibb, and Matt’s lifelong friend and classmate, Pastor Clint Zehr, officiating. Interment will follow in Prairie River Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be given in Matt’s honor to West Michigan Cancer Center or to Centreville FFA.
Please visit www.eleyfuneralhomes.com to sign Matt’s online guestbook and to leave a message for the family.
