JEFFERSON — “We are truly legacies of my father’s life of caring and compassion.” — Ben Heninger
There are special people that God brings into our lives, and even if they leave us too soon, their footprints remain in our hearts forever.
Some even leave a lingering melody or song that speaks to us with loving comfort and reminders of how they encouraged us to live on without them.
Such was the life of Thomas Heninger, a beloved music educator and cherished friend to many.
Tragically, he died in a traffic crash on October 27 of this year as he rode his bike to work as a volunteer at the annual Wisconsin Music Educators Conference in Madison.
Passion for music
Tom’s passion for music and teaching was his hallmark, even after he retired from the Watertown district in 2009.
For the last several years, Tom served as a director of the Watertown Municipal Band and performed with the Madison Wind Ensemble, Madison Brass Quintet, Madison Brass Band, and the Yankee Dutchman Precision Solar Marching Band.
He also enjoyed teaching instrumental music at St. John the Baptist (SJB) School in Jefferson since 2015, where he provided lessons and prepared his students for special performances at the school Christmas program, Catholic Schools Week pep rally, and the Fine Arts Program.
Honored by students
His heartbroken, yet grateful, band students at St. John the Baptist School honored Mr. Heninger in prayer and song at the First Friday Mass and Sacred Heart Devotion on November 4.
They expressed their thanks and admiration for a man who worked hard to encourage everyone to find the confidence in themselves to use and share the gifts that God blessed them with.
In the words of those who knew him, Tom was a loving music teacher who could form deep connections with anyone, especially his students.
In fact, some parents of SJB Band students shared that their children spent the evening of Mr. Heninger’s death playing their instruments in honor of their beloved band teacher.
During the November 5 memorial service and celebration of his life held in Watertown, family members and friends who spoke about Tom Heninger highlighted not only his achievements but his character, kindness, compassion, and love for life:
“He was not only an absolutely wonderful music teacher, but he showed each of his students that he cared about them as a human being, well beyond music and well beyond just being their teacher.”
“He was such an amazing, positive force in the world and probably changed more lives than he will ever know.”
“He was a warm, funny, fun-loving, caring person. I don’t know if I could have asked for a better friend. Tom cared for and loved everyone he met.
“He had a lifelong love of learning, lifelong love of music, but also a lifelong love of the people around him.”
The “Leader of the Band” continues to play on in the hearts, minds, and souls of all who knew and loved him.