Jay Henninger

Jay Edgar Henninger was born to Edgar and Mary Jane Henninger on April 4, 1941, in Richfield, MN. He graduated from Richfield Senior High School in 1959 and pursued many interests throughout his early years to include cross country, track, and wrestling. After high school, Jay furthered his education at Vernon County Teachers College, receiving a diploma. He then attended the University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse where he received an undergraduate degree in elementary education. Jay then earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Northern Iowa. In 1971, while living in Wisconsin, Jay attended a workshop in Covington, KY, where he met a beautiful young woman from Cleveland, OH. A long-distance love story ensued, and on May 26, 1973, Jay married Annie. Jay spent the next 52 years deeply devoted to his “beautiful bride,” and together they raised six children.

Jay was a devoted Brother of Saint Pius X, where he proudly served his community for 12 years in various ministerial roles focusing on education. Jay’s passion in life was education, and his love for teaching spanned many decades and states. He retired after 45 years in this pursuit.

Jay was a man of God and he lived his life with deep faith, integrity, and devotion—not just in his words, but in his treatment of others and in the actions which made up his life.

Jay spent his life communicating through song. His deep love for music permeated his life and it’s been said that his booming voice could drown out church bells.

Jay was an eternal cheerleader for his children. He will forever be remembered for his kindness, for the way he lived his life with compassion and empathy, for his love of the outdoors, and for his penchant for long bike rides which discouraged many a grandchild from joining him.

Jay Edgar Henninger, 84, resident of Gregory, SD, passed away peacefully after a prolonged battle with brain cancer on October 22, 2025. He is survived by his wife Annie; daughters Becky (Bob), Kateri, Sarah (Jesse), Laura (Brian); sons Josh (Alana) and Jake (Angie); his brother Bill; 15 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren (and another on the way); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Mary Jane, and his brother Tom.