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David Jennings Obituary
David V. Jennings Jr. Naples, FL
A 37 year veteran of the Milwaukee judiciary system, The Honorable David Vincent Jennings Jr., 89, died of natural causes on August 3, 2010 at Avow Hospice in Naples, FL. Judge Jennings was born on February 10, 1921 in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Mary Hanrahan Jennings and Senator David V. Jennings. He graduated from Marquette University High School in 1939 and from College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA in 1943.
He joined the U.S. Navy and served in World War II as a commissioned officer in the Pacific until his honorable discharge in 1946 with the rank of lieutenant. He remained active in the Naval Reserve until 1981.
After the war, he enrolled in Marquette University Law School and received his law degree in 1948. Jennings served in private practice until his appointment to the Milwaukee Circuit Court in 1966, where he presided as judge and reserve judge until he retired in 2002.
In 1985, Jennings married Margaret Polchert Horan. The couple moved full time to Naples, FL in 2003.
A dedicated volunteer at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Naples Community Hospital, his pet charities included his various alma maters.
In addition to his widow, those surviving the judge include his 11 children from his first marriage to the late Mary Bergen Johnston, Maureen (John) Oster, David Jennings III, Kathleen (Stewart) Friend, Sheila Jennings, Robert (Christina) Jennings, Ellen (John) Murphy, Therese (John) Vreeland, Stephen Jennings, Colleen (Peter) Grant, Janet (Chris) Sauer, Bridget (Jean-Marc) Dumont; 21 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Leander (Susie) Jennings and Phillip (Kathleen) Jennings; and a sister, Helen Reilly.
The judge was preceded in death by a brother, John Jennings of Bal Harbor, FL; and a sister, Sr. Mary Jennings, R.C.
A memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 18th at St. Joachim Chapel next to St. Ann Catholic Church parish office, Ninth Avenue South, where he has been a member since 1974. He will be laid to rest in Milwaukee.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Marquette University High School, 3401 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53233, or to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Jennings
Rob Jennings
September 9, 2010
Boy, he could cut a rug
Rob Jennings
September 9, 2010
Doing what he loved
Rob Jennings
September 9, 2010
Dave and Margaret
Rob Jennings
September 9, 2010
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Dapper Dave at one of many family weddings
Rob Jennings
September 9, 2010
August 24, 2010
Dear Margaret,
I just today heard of David's passing. I will always remember the Judge as a wonderful, caring, warm, and funny man. It was a true gift to have known him.
My condolences.
Sincerely,
Tracey (Mahoney) Thomas
Linda Eberhardt
August 18, 2010
Judge Jennings was one of the nicest people I have ever met. I knew him and Margaret from Wyndemere in Naples, Fl.
Margaret, my deepest condolences to you. Stay strong!!
Mary (Betsy) Walsch
August 18, 2010
Dear Jennings Cousins,
I am saddened to hear of your father's death. What a nice photo of him! He is the last of that great generation of our parents.
At the same time, I rejoice in his passing into a new life - a life of joy. Your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers; enjoy your time of reflection and reunion. Your dad lives on in each of you!
I am going to have Masses said at Gesu church in your father's memory as I recall that when he was serving his judgeship, he often attended morning Mass at Gesu church.
Love and Hugs to each of you, Betsy
Tori Smith
August 16, 2010
My Dear Cousins,
Here's how I remember your dad, my Uncle Dave. He always treated me like I was a person, too. He talked to me and listened to what I had to say. That's his gift to me. I also remember when he and my Aunt Mary, your mom, were engaged. They came out to Pine Lake. It was the first time we met our future Uncle Dave. Eunie and I thought he was SOOOOO handsome! I'm thinking of you all. It's always hard to see your father pass but I know his spirit is with each one of you.. With Love,
Cousin Tori (Desmond) Smith
August 16, 2010
Margaret,
I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the death of David. Few peoplehave achieved the position of respect and high esteem which he enjoyed for so many years. His absence will be felt by many for many years ro come. With my deepest sympathy, Alissa Stefanacci Naples fl.
August 16, 2010
The Hekker family extends its condolences to Colleen and the entire Grant/Jennings families. It certainly is wonderful having your large family nearby to help you through this sad time. Your father was certainly a great man!
Catherine Davidson
August 16, 2010
Sheila, Maureen and other family members ... you are all in my thoughts and prayers as another "gentleman" leaves the fold ... having lost my father last month I truly emphasize with the emotional roller coaster you are likely on. May the week before you be filled with wonderful memory making stories.
Catherine Davidson
Bonnie Madigan
August 15, 2010
MAUREEN, DAVID, KATHY, SHEILA, NELL and all the rest of the dear Jennings family,
Your Father was a true patriarch and Irish gentleman. I know what a tremendous loss this is for your entire family.
Much love to the cherished Jennings family
Bonnie Madigan
Mac Sheóinín
August 15, 2010
August 14, 2010
Dear Margaret, Dad's friends, and our extended family,
Thank you for all the card games, good food, conversation, and care throughout the years that you shared with Dad. "Over and out," as he would say.
Warmest regards,
His Janeo (child #10)
John & Mary Bonness
August 14, 2010
Mary and I wish to send our condolances
to all the family. May David rest in peace.
John and Mary Bonness, Naples Fl.
August 14, 2010
Marge;
So sorry to hear about David. We are so glad that we shared a meal last summer together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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