Tish Hennings
WAUSA — Funeral services for Tish Hennings, 49, Wausa, were held April 27 at Evangelical Covenant Church in Wausa. Pastor Mark McClintick officiated, with burial in Beaver View Cemetery in rural Crofton.
Visitation was held Friday at the church.
Brockhaus Funeral Home in Wausa was in charge of arrangements.
Tish died surrounded by her family April 18, 2019, at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, S.D.
On Dec. 27, 1969, in Sioux City, Iowa, Tish Thomas entered the world as the daughter of Jerry and Karma Thomas. She grew up as part of a family of 10 on a farm outside of Newcastle. There she found her love of farm life, and her tomboy side came out, always trying to “one up” not only her sisters, but her brothers as well. Tish attended Newcastle Public School, where she excelled in music, sports, and drama. She was especially gifted as a spirited cheerleader and was also a pillar in the Newcastle High School choir, attending All-State for multiple years and even earning a prestigious solo performance. After high school, Tish initially pursued her degree in Teaching Education at Pensacola Christian Academy before graduating from Grace University. During her last year at Grace, she fell head over heels for the love of her life, Delwyn Hennings, whom she had met years earlier at Glad Tidings Bible Camp. At Glad Tidings, Tish had been a camper and he had been the cabin leader that she had a crush on. Delwyn and Tish were married Aug. 13, 1994, and settled down on a small farm outside of Wausa.
After college, Tish had the opportunity to student-teach in what was then called the Ivory Coast in West Africa. Her first full-time teaching position was at Tower School in Wayne. She finally found her dream school at Wausa Public School, first in a position known as TITLE, and then as a fourth-grade elementary educator. Soon after, Tish was given the honor of lead teacher in the elementary. Tish’s next step on her journey as an educator was her move to middle school science. Soon after, the school approached her to request that she attain her Masters degree in Administration. This was to enable her to step into the role of elementary principal. In that position, Tish supported teachers, encouraged students, and sparked lasting change within the program.
In 1997, Delwyn and Tish brought their first child, Samantha, into the world. The family further grew in 1999 with the birth of their second child, Regan. The family grew up, enjoying the simple pleasures of farm life. Sam and Regan attended Wausa Public School, where their mom taught. Tish’s daughters are now following in their mom’s footsteps by pursuing careers in the fields of Elementary Education and Music Education.
Tish was a vital contributor to Community Bible Church in Crofton. Though teaching was her passion, Tish’s true joy was found in her faith in Jesus Christ and serving others through it. At Glad Tidings Bible Camp, she spent numerous summers cooking, directing women’s retreats, and leading many campers to the Lord. She also taught Sunday School and served at her church’s AWANA program, along with countless other services.
