Mr. Henning joined DeSoto in 1965 after working for Rinsed-Mason Co. and W.P. Fuller. He was initially involved in the development of DeSoto's electrodeposition coatings technology, and directed the company's marketing program for electrocoat products. He later became director of Research at DeSoto, and held 22 U.S. and overseas patents. Also at DeSoto, he led company programs related to total quality management and ISO registration.

In 1991, he formed Quality Directions Ltd., a consulting firm specializing in research, technology, total quality management, and ISO registration.

Mr. Henning was born April 3, 1939, in Oak Park, IL, and grew up in Birmingham, MI. He graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit in 1963. He was a sailing aficionado, and raced on the Great Lakes for 50 years.

Mr. Henning is survived by his wife Sonya, whom he married in 1974; two sons, Christopher and Gregg; a stepson, Dana Johansen; a stepdaughter, Sheryl Hughes; seven grandchildren; and two brothers, Robert and William. A memorial service was held Dec. 14 in Kenosha, WI.