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William Beuscher Henninger
July 17, 1944 – July 1, 2010
Midland Center for the Arts is saddened to announce the unexpected death of President William Henninger on July 1, 2010.
Bill wore many hats at MCFTA: leader, mentor, musician, volunteer, and above all friend and arts advocate. His untiring support and enthusiasm for art in all its forms was an inspiration to the MCFTA staff and the community.
For those planning an expression of sympathy, Bill’s family requests that memorial gifts be offered to Midland Center for the Arts.
If you’d like to share a memory of Bill, please visit the MCFTA Facebook Page.
PDF Downloads:
• MCFTA Press Release
• Bill Henninger Obituary
• Midland Daily News Article
• Donation Form
Bill Henninger Memories submitted by staff:
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Above: Bill in a dark wig and pink shirt during the "Rockin at the Museum" opening reception for 'The 1960s: A Cultural Evolution' Alden B. Dow Museum exhibition.
Right: Photo memories of Bill from Center events.
One of my favorite memories of Bill was how he would lose his coffee mug EVERYWHERE. He would come to someone’s desk, brainstorm some great ideas, and set his coffee mug down. Hours later, he would come looking at all the cubicals he could have possibly left his mug in. I remember having many-a-laugh at his expense due to that roving MCFTA coffee mug.
– Kristen Wuerfel, Marketing & Media Relations Manager
Bill had a special connection with the MSO, both as its first manager and as a former bassoonist in the Orchestra. Our recent performance could always be heard after hours blaring from the giant speakers in Bill’s office. He’d call me down to listen to certain sections, specifically pointing out the bassoons and marveling at his own recording. I can’t remember a MSO performance without him. He was an incredible person and genuine advocate for the arts who will be greatly missed.
– Kimberly Dimond, former Managing Director, MSO
Whether it was talk about upcoming events, long-term planning or the well-being of our Center “family” of volunteers, hallway talks were some of our best and most creative conversations. Just mention an idea Bill liked, and he would step back with what I called his “twinkly eyes” before running off to get the ball rolling. He was full of passion and excitement.
– Emily Anderson, Center Stage Theatre
When I first started with the MSO, Bill took it upon himself to be my “teacher.” We had an orchestra “lesson” each week. Occasionally, he would surprise me with a pop quiz when walking by my desk. I learned a lot in the past year!
– Alysha Anders, MSO
I think this passage from Bill’s 2009 year-end email to staff sums him up perfectly: “I am often told I have a gift for saying in 1000 words what any member of the Executive Committee could say in 10, I will be brief. This note is not about culture, the Center or the Community. It is about thanking you for what you have done. It is about thanking you for making the Center what it is and for what it always will be. I still have the best job in the city.”
– Nichole Toth, Ticket Office Manager
Kindness and fairness come to my mind when I remember Bill. On a lighter note, if there were treats available in the building he had a knack for finding them, then saying with a grin, “I shouldn’t!” – sometimes through a full mouth!
– Sue Johns, Finance
We always laughed about our daily “sparring,” because Bill was a man who could dish it out as well as he could take it. It was part of my routine, and I’m going to miss it.
– Emmy Heger, Graphic Artist
Bill transformed first the Music Society and then the MCFTA. I think this quote by Carl Jung summarizes Bill's positive and catalytic personality: "The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances; if there is any reaction, both are transformed." He truly touched lives in every way, and that made him an artist in every sense of the word.
– Jim Hohmeyer, Director of Choral Activities
Bill had such a gift for hospitality. I often saw him personally serving the guests at our receptions. His wife, Jackie, once told to me that was Bill’s favorite thing to do: serving people at a party!
– Valerie Allen, Museum Store Manager
I remember a 2006 meeting when Bill was being welcomed by the staff. He started out by stating that contradictory to rumors, it was NOT necessary for staff to curtsy when they pass him in the hall. I knew right then & there that I liked the guy!
– Julie Dukes, Communications Manager
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Our motorcycle exhibition so enthused Bill that he went out and bought a brand-new Triumph. Well, I wanted one as bad he did, and when he offered to sell it to me, I had to admit I couldn’t afford it at the time. I’m still jealous!
– B. B. Winslow, Director,
Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art
Sometimes Bill would have to sneak in to a performance late when hopping between theatres (he went to almost every single performance in the building). On occasion, an usher asked him to go to the rear of the audience as a latecomer, which is our policy. Bill would politely tell the usher that he was the Center’s president. These ushers often felt apologetic and embarrassed. But Bill would always smile, laugh and say that they were just doing their job. He appreciated everyone’s contributions to the Center, including the volunteer ushers who didn’t even know who he was.
– Katy Schappel, House Manager
I believe Bill enjoyed doing the unexpected and keeping everyone guessing…I recall showing up for an All-Staff meeting in the Little Theatre and at the appointed time, Bill didn’t just walk to the front of the room and start the meeting….oh no…instead, he “mysteriously rose” out of the top of a tree trunk (via hydraulic lift inside the tree) from the set for the “Duck Hunter Shoots Angel” play that was currently on stage. To echo Bill’s favorite phrase whenever I showed him some “new technology” that I had implemented…”oh, that’s so cool!”
– Penny Tabor, IT Manager
Bill often stopped by my cubicle for a pretzel, and would always say the same thing: “Just one!” I knew he’d be back later, for “Just (another) one!”
– Sarah Brandt, Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art
One morning I was carrying fresh-brewed coffee out to the café when I spotted Bill across the brick lobby, mug in hand. I called over that he needed to slow down or he was going to beat me to the counter. Instantly, a smile spread across his face and he started walking as fast as he could. Before I knew it we were in a race through the brick lobby, both of us laughing along the way! I will always remember his sense of humor.
– Stephanie Lewandowski, Visitor Services
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