Nancy Lou Henninger

Nancy Lou Henninger, age 83, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.

Nancy was born on June 24, 1942, in Fort Wayne to the late Argus and Edna (Mann) Orsmby. She graduated from South Side High School in Fort Wayne in 1960 and later continued her education at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

On July 27, 1963, Nancy married Keith Henninger at St. John Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, beginning a loving partnership that would span 46 years.

Nancy began her professional career at Warner Gear in Muncie. She later served as a teacher’s aide with North Del Middle School. After several years in education, Nancy worked at Clevepak Corporation and Rock Tenn in payroll and accounting. She retired as a bookkeeper from National Servall/Republic Services, where she remained for twenty years. Following her retirement, she continued working alongside her family at Barney’s Auto Electric.

Nancy was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne. She participated in the Naomi Ruth Circle women’s group. She was also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Mary Penrose Wayne Chapter of Fort Wayne, and held membership at the New Haven VFW Post #2457.

Nancy had a deep love for golf and remained an avid enthusiast throughout her life. She also enjoyed playing cards and was known to gather with friends to play as often as five or six times each week. Nancy was an ardent fan of IU Basketball, Komet Hockey & the Chicago Cubs. She rarely missed a game. She also found great joy in tending her gardens and flowers, spending time at the lake, and most of all being with her family. Nancy especially cherished supporting her grandchildren and spending as much time with them as possible.

Nancy will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Nancy is survived by her son, Brian Henninger of Warsaw, Indiana; and her daughter, Stacy (Joe) Hare of Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was a loving grandmother to Garret Sommers of Rochester, Indiana, Shelby (Andy) Harkness of Columbia City, Indiana, and Madison (Isaac) Smith of Zanesville, Indiana. Nancy was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Emmett Robinson, Everleigh Harkness, Cooper Harkness, Lennon Smith, and Brooks Smith. She is further survived by her sister, Judith “Judy” Richter of Albion, Indiana, along with several cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will cherish her memory.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Keith Henninger; her sister, Catherine “Betty” Williams; her half-sisters, Waneta “Terri” Cummick and Mary Fechner; and her brothers-in-law, Kenneth Williams and Robert Richter.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 12:00 pm with visitation prior from 10:00am-12:00pm at St. John Lutheran Church, 729 West Washington Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46802.

Memorial donations may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church and or New Haven VFW Auxiliary Post #2457.

Arrangements and care entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Fort Wayne, IN.