Frank Henning

Frank D. Henning, Jr.

August 14, 1943 - February 11, 2026


Frank D. (Yogi)  Henning, Jr.  passed away in Thermopolis, Wyo., on February 11, 2026.  

Frank was born on August 14, 1943, in North Platte, Neb., to Frank D. and Gladys (Keslar) Henning. As a young boy, he enjoyed going to his grandparents’ homes and working in the gardens with them. He grew up with his sister, Phyllis, watching over his shoulder so she could tattle on him. This became more of a headache after Phyllis graduated and was hired as the secretary to the Principal at the Junior High that Frank attended.

Frank joined the Army in 1961 while only 17 years old and his mother Gladys had to sign for him to enlist. After basic training he was stationed in Germany with the 41st Artillery.

After his discharge from the Army in 1966, Frank enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the height of the Vietnam War. Frank was in the River Division 512-531. While serving there, he was severely wounded when his boat came under attack. He retired from the Navy in 1969. While serving, he was awarded 2 Purple Hearts, 2 Bronze Stars (V), an Action Combat Ribbon, and a Navy Commendation (V).

After his service, Frank returned to civilian life. He worked many years as a heavy equipment operator. He lived in the boom town of Jeffrey City in the 1970’s and worked heavy equipment at the mine.  

Frank bought property outside of Thermopolis in 1979, put in a mobile home and planted many trees, shrubs, and bushes. He traveled all over Wyoming and Colorado for work, but never slowed down when he got home taking care of all the growing trees! 

He worked at the Grass Creek Coal Mine and the Kummerfeld, Inc. in Lovell. He was employed by Envirocon on the extensive reclamation of the Amoco site in Casper. 

On May 27, 1984, Frank married Terry Linsey in Casper. The newly married couple returned to Thermopolis to make their home. That same property Frank had started with in 1979 was soon bursting with all their kids running, playing, and helping maintain the expanse of lawn, trees, and bushes. Frank was very proud of all his children and the adults they became. Frank and Terry enjoyed traveling to visit their kids’ homes and the new arrival of each grandchild.

After his retirement, Frank stayed in touch with many of his old service buddies through the internet. He and other “river rats” went to the Dubois Military Museum and took part in an audio/video interview detailing their experiences patrolling the rivers in Vietnam and the boats they were assigned to. The Military Museum declined the Veterans’ enthusiastic offer to take the displayed (and fully operational) boat “out to Boysen Lake and show ‘em how fast and effective the boats were in action”. Frank proudly showed his Patriotism by having the State of Wyoming specialty license plate for Purple Heart - Battlefield Wounded on his big Dodge pickup.

Frank was preceded in death by his father (1984); mother (2018); sister, Phyllis Henning (2018); and brothers, Hobie Henning (2015) and Ed Henning (2025).  

He is survived by his wife, Terry of Thermopolis; son, Frankie Henning of Thermopolis; son, Van (Gail) Frazier of Casper; son, Corey (Trish) Nicholson of Park City, Mont.; daughter, Terra (Paul) Sulzman of Sheridan; and son, Cody Nicholson of Powell; as well as 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.   

He is also survived by his siblings of his blended family including brothers, Jim (JoEllen) Henning of Gillette, Charlie (Kathy) Johnson of North Platte, Neb., Johnny (Verlanne) Johnson of Highland, Texas; and sisters, Carol (Earnest) Slagle of Kirby, Laura Lee (Gary) Nash of Worland, Susan Ragland of Thermopolis, and Billie (Freddie) Redus of Seguin, Texas; and sister-in-law, Mary Henning of Worland. Frank (Uncle Yogi) is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

The family is planning services later this spring or early summer at the Thermopolis Riverside Cemetery.

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