Our Staff

Karla (Engel) Henning was born in 1950 in Springfield, Illinois. She graduated from Athens High School in 1968 and in 1969 earned her Surgical Technician Degree from Carle Hospital in Urbana, Illinois. In January 1970, Karla married the late Richard (Dick) Henning, and they had three children: Kimberly Kiefer, Kara Nordstrom, and Richard W. Henning. Karla also has six beautiful granddaughters. She is a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Sherman, Illinois.

Karla joined the Mott & Henning staff full-time in 1995 and currently serves as the Office Manager. She also serves as a family assistant and always offers the same dedication and respect to Funeral Home customers that she does to her own family.

Richard (Rich) Henning was born in 1976 in Springfield, Illinois. Rich graduated from Athens High School in 1994, and he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Eastern Illinois University in 1998. He furthered his education and was the third generation of Henning to attend Worsham College of Mortuary Science where he earned an Associates of Applied Science Degree in March of 2000. In March 2001, Rich married Valerie DeVillez, and they have two daughters, Isabelle and Kayleigh Henning.

Rich’s memberships are centered around the Athens community. He is a past member of the now defunct Athens Rotary Club and served as President; he is a board member of Joel Hall Cemetery Association, currently serving as Treasurer; and he is also a member of the Athens United Methodist Church.

Rich joined the Mott & Hening Funeral Home staff in 2000, serving as a full-time Funeral Director and Embalmer. In addition to those responsibilities, Rich acquired the family business in 2005 when his father, Dick Henning, died unexpectedly. Rich currently manages all aspects of the funeral home and is also a licensed insurance producer so that he may assist families who wish to pre-finance funeral services. Rich strives to serve the Athens community and surrounding areas with dignity, respect, and compassion during their time of need.

Kelci was born on October 30, 1992, and lives in Mason City, IL. She is the daughter of Brad and Lori Hull of Mason City, Illinois. In 2016, Kelci married Zeke Kennett. They have two sons, Rhett and Beau Kennett. Kelci graduated from Illini Central High School in 2011 and earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Mortuary Science from Carl Sandburg College in 2014.

Kelci joined the Mott & Henning Funeral Home staff in early 2015 and currently serves as a full-time Funeral Director and Embalmer.

In her time away from the office, Kelci enjoys spending time with her family, spoiling her three dogs, and being outdoors.

John Curry has been associated with Mott & Henning Funeral Home, PC since October 1986. At Mott & Henning, John is available for assistance where needed. John enjoys helping people and will do anything to assist families in their times of grief. John retired from Athens High School in 2004 after teaching mathematics for 34 years. John was also athletics director for 16 years and coached many different varsity, junior varsity, and junior athletic teams as well as National Honor Society Advisor. John is a graduate of Illinois State University and received his Master's Degree in Educational Administration from University of Illinois Springfield. John is married to his best friend, Francene. They have three children and six grandchildren. They are both very active at Athens United Methodist Church and in the community as well.

Sam started working for Mott & Henning Funeral Home in November 2017. He enjoys working with our staff and is very willing to help grieving families in any way that he can. He was raised in Oakford. He married Janice Davison in 1965 and they moved to this area in 1969. They are parents of two sons, Darren and Chad. They have been blessed with three grandchildren, Davis, Gwyn, and Cole. He worked in the fertilizer business for years and retired in 2009. He and Janice currently live in Athens.

Jeff has been associated with Mott & Henning Funeral Home since February 2008. He takes pride in the fact that he has lived in the Athens community all his life and that he is able to assist our guests and families during their times of grief. Jeff retired in July 2013 from the Illinois Air National Guard after 28 years of service. He is a member of the Athens United Methodist Church and has been involved with the Athens Public Library for many years. Jeff married Karen Behl on March 11, 1989, in Athens. Karen is a home daycare provider and they have two children, Bryce and Abigail.

Mark started working for Mott & Henning Funeral Home in June 2024.  He was born and raised in Adrian, Michigan. He married Cindy Wilson in 1988.  They are parents of two sons, Colin and Jacob.   Mark worked as an educator and coach in the Mason City Illini Central school district.  In addition, he has worked at school districts in Michigan, Texas, Donovan, IL and Springfield, IL.  Cindy and Mark are both very active at Mason City Christian Church and in the community as well.  He enjoys working with our staff and is very willing to help grieving families in any way that he can.