Keith Gordon Heninger

Keith “Gordon” Heninger, our devoted and loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend was born on April 29, 1936, in Ogden, Utah. He passed away peacefully at his home in Pleasant View, Utah, surrounded by his family on September 11, 2025. He is the son of Van Elliott Heninger and Oce LoReen Hull.

Gordon grew up near his birthplace and was always closely connected to his family as they worked hard together and found joy in all aspects of life. He graduated from Davis High School as the Student Body President and enjoyed great successes in debate and pole vaulting. He served a two and a half year full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in West Germany, with the privilege of being there for a few weeks at the same with his two brothers who were also serving missions there.

He joined the United States Marine Corps along with his brother Brent shortly after his mission and served honorably for six years.

He attended Weber State University and University of Utah. He graduated with his Bachelor’s degree and Masters degree in Clinical Social Work. Gordon was a licensed Clinical Therapist and worked for many years at the Jordan School District. While there he created a new program for the district called “The Jordan Family Education Center,” where he worked as the Center Coordinator. His new program provided ways for families to improve parenting skills, strengthen relationships, build children’s self-esteem, and incentivize children to learn, among other things. Instruction was offered by qualified guidance specialists. Services, materials, instruction, counseling, and management were provided. He managed the program for many years before establishing his own private practice to pursue his passion as a Clinical Therapist. His practice was called “City Counseling Clinic” in Murray, Utah. He was a giant in his career choice and loved by many. He was a gentleman in all respects and truly a “healer of souls.”

Gordon was married to Dorothy Pohlman in August 1960. Together they raised nine children. His dedication to his family was evident in how well he handled his many roles. As a provider he often worked multiple jobs to meet the demanding needs of his young and large family. As a teacher, he spent time with all his children to help them navigate life in a safe (“Mr. Safety”), knowledgeable, and enjoyable way. As a disciplinarian, he taught his children to work hard in all areas of life. It was not unusual to include his children in construction projects on his homes and apartments. For keeping his children behaving properly, his most effective tactics were showing (but rarely using) the infamous thick, white belt and counting down as he threatened extra work. But for the most part he was a big softie who always gave helpful guidance with a minor punishment.

He excelled as an entertainer. No matter the task or the environment, he would find a way to create a challenge or contest for his children. Work became fun. Mundane activities became exciting. Children were uplifted and praised no matter how well (or poorly) they performed in challenges. He was able to summon courage and determination in his children to pursue higher levels simply by declaring the words “there is a malt in it for you” ‒ but the children are still wondering to this day what such a thing that is!

Family jogs to Hotel Utah were a recurring activity. And while annual vacations to Southern California’s coast (still an annual family tradition) and many trips to Lava Hot Springs, Idaho regularly involved vehicle trouble (mostly in his beloved Dolphin Deluxe motorhome), he somehow made such despairing moments tolerable and even fun. Upon arriving at the coast, he was among the first into the ocean.

He was a visionary man with his homes. He turned a courtyard into a gym, a garage into a large family room of games, and a yard into a miniature golf course. With the river in his backyard in Murray, he set up a swing across it and with his children and grandchildren at his side, built a dam and fed oats to the ducks. These were all part of a larger effort to make his home the neighborhood playground for all children.

He truly was an amazing father. He would often playfully ask his children, “Who’s the luckiest dad in the world?", and the response would be a resounding “You are!” But the children knew they were really the ones that were the luckiest.

Everyone wanted to be with Gordon. In any social setting, he was among the first to reach out, the first to love, the first to uplift, the first to include, the first to comfort, the first to confront a bully, and, no surprise, the first to counsel. It was common for others to consider him a second father.

After 30 years of marriage to Dorothy, they divorced. He then married Sally Anderson who worked with him through their social work. They later divorced.

On April 27, 2013, Gordon married Katherine Marie (Dixon) Sneddon, who was one of the brightest lights in his life. Residing in two completely different cities at the time they met, the likelihood of them ever meeting was very remote. They felt it was destiny and enjoyed 12 years of happiness together. Katherine brought so much fun, peace, love, and support to Gordon and his family and couldn’t have been a better wife and companion for him in both health and sickness. She served him truly as an angel to the end.

As a spiritual leader, he served in many callings, a few of which included callings as a temple worker, Counselor in two Bishoprics, and a teacher. He often shared his gratitude for God’s Plan of Happiness for all His children and depended on our Savior. He would be the first to admit to his imperfections and would often express his love and appreciation for the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Katherine; his children, Jeffery (Suzanne) Heninger, Tyler (Christine) Heninger, Natalie (Allan) Jones, Lance (Deb) Heninger, Matt (Brandi) Heninger, Liz May, Cam (Debbie) Heninger, Raquel (David) Miller, and Candice (Chris) DeFries. All of whom he often calls simply “Hen”. He has 29 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Don Burt (Janice) Heninger. His blended family on Katherine’s side includes four children, John, Brian, Lisa, and Jennifer; 13 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. His legacy of family, love, joy, faith, and hard work will endure. He is our “Hero”.

We offer our sincere appreciation to nurses, Ronal and Misty from Atlas Home Care and Hospice for their loving care rendered at his home.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Pleasant View 5th Ward Chapel, 900 West Pleasant View Drive. Friends may visit with family on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 to 10: 30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Ogden City Cemetery.

Services will be live-streamed and available the day of the services by scrolling to the bottom of Gordon’s obituary page at: www.lindquistmortuary.com where condolences may also be shared.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to “The Gordon and Katherine Heninger Family Legacy Fund” at https://gofund.me/48326b7d4

Or checks may be made payable to: National Financial Services

And mailed to: Financial Strategies Institute C/O The Gordon and Katherine Heninger Family Legacy Fund 6955 South Union Park Center, Ste 410 Salt Lake City UT 84047

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