Michael Robert Jennings

Michael Robert Jennings, 52, adoring husband of Ruth; loving and proud father of Carly, Miles, and Ryder; devoted son of Bob Jennings and Carol Jennings, dear brother of Lynn Jennings; cherished son-in-law to Carolyn and the late Dr. Stephen Winter; fond brother-in-law of Stephanie (Joe) Whitney; the most fun uncle to Neve and Jude Whitney and friend to so many. Mike grew up in Rockford running cross-country and playing hockey attending Guilford High School (1987), graduating from a dual degree 3-2 Physics- Engineering program at Grinnell College (1991) where he ran cross-country, and Washington University (1992), and earning an MBA from The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University (1998) where he met his wife, Ruth.

After graduating at the top of his class from the Engineering program at Wash U, Mike worked for Cooper Industries (later acquired by Eaton Corporation) where he remained for 5 years, rapidly ascending to Director of Operations Worldwide, moving next to Tenex Corporation in the role of Director of Operations. In 2001 Mike pivoted into management strategy consulting where he would spend the remainder of his career, working as a Partner at Bridge Strategy, Managing Director at Houlihan Lokey, and for the last two years Senior Vice President Global Operations and Strategy at Gallagher. He took great pleasure from and truly enjoyed the nature of his work, identifying and providing solutions to strategic problems across a variety of industries; and forging many close relationships in those with whom he worked. His work ethic and drive was unparalleled.

More than anything he loved his family, spending all of his leisure time with Ruth and his children and always, without question, making time for every single important (and not-so-important) event in each of their lives. He somehow managed to schedule work, hockey, fishing, marathon and tri training around their calendars. The joy he felt being around his children could be seen in his expression every time they entered the room or appeared on a video call – his entire face would light up. He prioritized their happiness and engagement with life over everything else. And the love story between Mike and Ruth was easily visible to anyone just from the way they looked at each other. He adored her and she him. They did everything together, talking on the phone multiple times a day, every day, throughout their 27 year relationship.

His kindness, laughter, humor and unparalleled love for living life to its fullest, willingness to try anything, and spontaneity will be deeply missed, fondly remembered and cherished. Funeral Services: Monday, 2:00 p.m. at The Chapel, 195 N. Buffalo Grove Rd., Buffalo Grove (1 Blk N. of Lake Cook Rd.). In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to innercityeducation.org/ways-to-give, a hockey and tutoring program which teaches important lessons of teamwork, commitment, and discipline providing access to tutoring and high-quality education with scholarships thereby enabling growth and development and a path to a brighter future through access to positive role models for inner city student-athletes. For shiva/condolence information: The Goldman Funeral Group (847) 478-1600.