Brian Jennerjahn

1940 - 2016

Brian Jennerjahn, 75

HARTFORD CITY - Brian Jennerjahn, 75, passed away June 20, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born October 1, 1940, in Appleton, Wisconsin, the oldest son of Lucille (Fuhrmann) and Merton Jennerjahn.

He graduated with highest distinction and a bachelor's degree in Industrial Technology from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, Wisconsin in 1964.

Brian moved his family to Hartford City, Indiana, in 1969, to work for 3M. He began his own company, Jennerjahn Machine, Inc. in 1978, drawing up plans for his machines in his living room, renting various spaces in Hartford City to build the machines, eventually buying a building in Matthews, Indiana, where he began producing slitting equipment and then various other machines to meet specific needs. His machines are in twenty-one countries and every continent except Antarctica. It is estimated that nearly 80% of all cash register rolls used in the United States are produced on Jennerjahn rewinders.

Brian was an avid "gearhead" always working on cars and engines. His early love of drag racing eventually shifted to open wheel cars in the Sports Car Club of America where he raced a Formula Vee for thirty-four years. He considered his greatest achievements in automobile racing to be his June Sprints and Brundage Cup victories. Both victories were in cars powered by engines Brian built.

Brian was a member of Rotary and met weekly with his beloved "geezer" group of retired men.

He was a cherished husband, father, and grandfather survived by his wife of fifty-one years, Ruth (Hopfensperger); daughter, Jane Peavler and husband, Gary of Brookfield, WI; son, Chris Jennerjahn and wife, Kristie (Brown) in Hartford City; and daughter, Kate Marshall and husband, Jeff, Centerville, IN; grandchildren, include Brett, Leah and Kevin Peavler; Adam, Alexandra, Evan, and Sophia Jennerjahn; Helaina, Lewis and Livia Marshall. Also surviving is one brother, Paul and wife, Kathy of Appleton, WI.

Visitation will be Friday, June 24 at Waters Funeral Home, Hartford City from 4-7 p.m. On Saturday morning further visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Father Dave Newton and Rev. Lloyd Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to a charity of their choice, to Lightrider Ministries in Upland or Blackford Community Foundation to be used for Imagination Library or an Industrial Arts program at Blackford High School.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.watersfuneralhomes.com