Our loving husband, dad, brother, grandpa, and friend passed away as the sun arose on Friday, October 22, at Wentworth At Coventry surrounded by his sweetheart of 53 years, and adoring son and daughter.
Keith was born on September 10, 1943, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Helen Louise Mott and Ralph William Henschen. At the tender age of six, Keith's mother passed away, but he was blessed to be raised by his wonderful step-moother, Charlotte Eileen Dutt. One of Keith's favorite childhood
memories was becoming an Eagle Scout. He was a graduate of Northside High School class of 1961. He then attended Ball State Teacher's College in Muncie, Indiana where he played basketball, graduated with a teaching degree, and met the love of his life, Julie Dee Zeigler. Keith then attended
Penn State where he began his Master's degree. Later, he earned his P.E.D. From Indiana University.
Keith and Julie were married in 1968, and after becoming members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, were sealed as a family in the Salt Lake City Temple in 1975. Keith was a devoted member of the church who loved to teach and serve.
Keith was a professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Utah for 39 years (1971 - 2010) with an area of expertise in the psychological aspect of sport. He published over 200 articles, 40 chapters of books, five monographs, and co-authored five textbooks. He
directed 53 doctoral dissertations and 23 masters thesis. At the time of his retirement, Keith had taught over 10,000 students. Keith has been a frequent research presenter and conference speaker having made over 500 presentations during his career. He served as president (1997-98) of the
American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD). He was also elected as President (2001-2005) of the International Society of Sport Psychology (ISSP). He was the honored recipient of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (ASSP) "Coleman Griffin Award"
in 2015 and the International Society of Sport Psychology (ISSP) "Distinguished International Sport Psychology Award" in 2017.
In the Sport world, "Hensch" or "Doc" was a pioneer in his field who consulted with numerous world class, professional, and elite level athletes, including five National Governing Boards (NGB's) for the United States Olympic committee. He has been the Sport Psycholigist consultant for the
United States Association for Track and Field (USATF), the United States Gymnastic Federation (USGF), the United States Skiing Association (USSA), and the United States Speed Skating Association (USSSA) - both long and short track. He has been on the staff for various teams at 10 different
Olympic Games. Keith worked with numerous college and professional athletes in his private practice. He was also the Sport Psychology Consultant for the Utah Jazz for 29 years.
Keith had a way of relating to all levels of athletes that brought out the best of them. Some called it bringing out their "gold" both professionally and personally. He treated each athlete as an individual and valued their gift or talent, not their notoriety.
One of Keith's most memorable personality trait was his funny, unique, and appropriately timed, quick witted humor. This was a quality that endeared him to his students, athletes and friends.
Keith was a strong, principled, forthright, dedicated, sensitive, loving and God-fearing man. He was one who always tried to do what was right but also a man who had his weaknesses.
Dr. Henschen, left a positive and influential imprint worldwide on the human race…especially in the Sport's World. He truly made a significant difference in many lives and will be greatly missed. He leaves a giant void here on earth, but we know that he has been welcomed into the arms of our
loving Heavenly Father. He has now been reunited with his dear mother who he has been waiting a long time to hug.
Keith is survived by his loving wife, Julie; children - Shane P. Henschen and Eschelle N. Lawrenson (Brett); 3 extraordinary grandsons: Braxton, Ryker, and Tayson Lawrenson; brothers, Ken and Bruce Henschen in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as well as many extended family members in Fort Wayne,
Indiana and Reno, Nevada. He was proceeded in death by his parents, step-mother, brother (Ralph), in-laws, and dear friends.