Peter Henning, ex-federal prosecutor and legal scholar, dies at 65: 'He was my hero'

If Peter Henning could help someone, he did.

Henning, a former federal prosecutor and legal scholar who made a name for himself as a white-collar crime expert who locked up criminals, educated and inspired young lawyers, explained complex legal issues for the media and fought for tougher ethics in his beloved profession, has died.

He was 65.

According to his family and the Wayne State University Law School, where Henning was a professor for 28 years, he died Sunday surrounded by family after a battle with an aggressive form of dementia.

"He was wrapped in love as he passed. I will so miss him, but I am praying he is now at peace and able to rest," Henning's wife of 33 years, Karen McDonald Henning, wrote in a Facebook post that triggered an outpouring of support and love by the many lives he touched.

Students. Colleagues. Journalists. Friends. Family.

Henning shared his knowledge, wit and passion for justice with all.

"Over the last 28 years, Professor Henning made an impact on students and colleagues near and far that will last a lifetime," WSU Law School Dean Richard Bierschbach wrote in a Tuesday email to the law school community. "He will be remembered as wise, curious, enthusiastic, and fair."

And popular, the dean noted.

"Wherever one went, it seemed there was someone who knew, and loved, Peter," Bierschbach wrote. "He was tirelessly and joyfully devoted to his profession, and we will miss him greatly."

Former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade, who oversaw the public corruption trial of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, worked with Henning in his role as a professor and remembers him for his commitment to educating the public about fraud.

"Peter Henning made significant contributions to our understanding of the seriousness of white-collar crime," McQuade said. "Through his writing, teaching and public outreach, Peter enhanced public appreciation for the ways sophisticated fraud schemes harm our society."

David Ashenfelter, a former Detroit Free Press reporter who spent decades covering federal court, remembers Henning as the go-to legal commentator who was quick to step in and help readers better understand the complex legal issues tied to the prosecutions he covered.

"Peter was a wonderful guy, and a most important news source for those of us who covered the federal courts," Ashenfelter said. "He was the go-to guy for many of us and we're really going to miss him. He was a great guy, a great news source and really great human being."

Former Free Press reporter Joe Swickard, who also covered the criminal justice system for decades, echoed that, saying: "Peter was a great legal resource who shared his knowledge and insights to help the public understand the often complex issues in the public arena. His passing is a civic loss."

Before becoming a professor in 1994, Henning had an established career as a federal prosecutor, working as a senior attorney at the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. He later moved to the criminal division of the U.S. Department of Justice where he investigated and prosecuted bank fraud, until eventually joining academia, where he inspired and helped shape the minds of a generation of lawyers.

"Prof. Peter Henning was the brightest, gentlest and funniest professor I ever had in all of my schooling," wrote Jim McGrail. "He also was the most commonsensical of any instructor. I often joked that my career will be a success if he’s not asked to comment about me on the 5 o’clock news. Your wit, charm and intelligence will be sorely missed."

"You were a titan of a lawyer, but an even better professor," wrote Josh Terebelo. "You were instrumental in my life, as well as many other students. You will be sorely missed."

Henning, of Grosse Pointe Park, was born in Los Angeles — the fourth of five siblings. He earned his bachelor's from Loyola Marymount University in 1978, and a master's in philosophy from Fordham University in 1980. He then taught history for two years at Bellarmine College Preparatory before going to law school.

In 1985, he graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center.

An avid sports fan, Henning remained loyal to his hometown Los Angeles Dodgers and UCLA Bruins, though always supported the Detroit Lions, calling them the “Dumb Lions" even as he watched every game.

Henning also was a member of the American Law Institute, and chaired a National Conference of Bar Examiners committee that is responsible for drafting and reviewing questions for the multistate bar exam. He also wrote a regular column, "White Collar Watch," for The New York Times DealBook.

Outside the world of law, Henning was remembered as a loving husband and proud father of three daughters, Molly, Alexandra and Grace, who referred to him as "the greatest dad of all time."

Perhaps his daughter, Molly Henning-Santa, put it best in this Facebook post: "My dad will always be my hero."

Henning is survived by by his wife, Karen McDonald Henning; three daughters, Molly (Marc), Alexandra, and Grace; siblings Philip (Roberta), Edward (Lisa), Thomas (Claire), and Nancy (Thomas), and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Philip, and niece Kymberly.

A memorial service in his honor will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable contributions in memory of Peter Henning be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, https://www.theaftd.org/support-aftds-mission/, or the Brain Support Network, P.O. Box 7264, Menlo Park, CA 94026, www.brainsupportnetwork.org.

Contact Tresa Baldas: tbaldas@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Peter Henning, ex-federal prosecutor and legal scholar, dies