Ms. Jeanne (Grisnik) Henning died Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living in Lawrence, Kansas, surrounded by her loving family.
Jeanne was born in October of 1954, in Kansas City, Kansas, the daughter of Otto and Martina Grisnik. She is survived by her uncle and aunt, Bob & Jeanne Bradwell, her brother, John Grisnik; her brother-in-law and sister, Jim & Beth Hoenscheidt (niece Kathleen Hoenscheidt); and her brother-in-law, Nader Abed (nephew Michael Abed and niece Marie Abed). She is also survived by her four children with Harold Henning (divorced): Christian Henning, Benjamin Henning, Leanna Henning (Jock Condon; grandchild Kade Condon), and Melody Henning (Eric Havens; grandchildren Anthony Johanning, Izzy Havens, and Alek Madeira).
Jeanne was a lifelong resident of Kansas City, Kansas, where she attended St. Peter’s Cathedral and Bishop Ward High School. She cherished memories of riding bikes in the neighborhood and the many lifelong friends she made there. Her first jobs were at Bethany Medical Center and Fritz’s Restaurant, where she developed an interest in medicine and service. She received her associate’s degree from the Wesley School of Nursing in Wichita and her bachelor’s degree from the KU School of Nursing, all while supporting her four children.
She loved singing and dancing in local Croatian folk groups throughout her life, especially with her beloved sister, Jan Grisnik-Abed, who passed in 1999. The costumes, music, and the community brought her immense joy, and she continued this tradition for many years following. She kept paintings of Strawberry Hill by Marijana Grisnik, displayed carefully around her home, alongside many relics of times past — all sources of pride, comfort, and value.
As a joyful presence in the communities where she worked and lived, Jeanne attended neighborhood barbecues and festivities, sharing her Croatian heritage and love of baking povitica with friends and family. She planted flowers and grew tomatoes every year, and enjoyed canning and making jelly in her retirement. She shared the fruits of her labor generously with those who delighted in them and did so with unmatched elegance and class, to say nothing of her beauty.
She was a “yard lady” and a “cat lady,” who loved taking care of her environment and all of the animals she fostered. She was especially devoted to nurturing in times of great need, and she endured every hardship to provide care and support for those she loved. She was patient and particular about every detail. From bathing to dressing, in the many gifts she would bestow upon her children and family for holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions, Jeanne relished the opportunity to express her love through her actions and gifts.
Jeanne was a pediatric nurse for over 40 years, nurturing children and babies with her knowledge, intention, and loving care at KU Medical Center, Children’s Mercy Hospital, and Overland Park Regional Medical Center. The number of lives impacted through her vocation cannot be counted. She was an intellectual in writing, contributing news articles, photographs, and pieces for pediatric manuals and texts. She was an expert in the fields of gastroenterology, wound care, nutrition, and neonatal care. She was inspired by the professionals she worked with and went to great lengths to ensure the dignity and honor of those less fortunate.
Her artistry and craftwork were interwoven into everything she did. She donned fur coats and coordinated her attire to the amazement and admiration of everyone. She knew her worth and value in the world. Her sense of humor provided levity during times of injustice and personal pain. She maintained her integrity and independence, always going her own way.
Jeanne’s endless love, witty charm, unique personality, and resilient spirit will be deeply missed and forever honored by all who knew her.
A visitation will take place from 6:00 pm-7:00 pm on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, Lawrence, KS. Funeral services will take place the following day at 10:00 am, July 11th, 2025, also at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will take place at 1:00 pm at Chapel Hill Cemetery, Kansas City, Kansas.
