Ralph Jennings

Ralph Lee Jennings, 87, of North Platte, passed away July 21, 2022, at Great Plains Health. He was born on Nov. 22, 1934, west of Sutherland to Edward and Mary (Miller) Jennings. According to Ralph, he was the longest living Jennings male. He earned the title in 2020 when he turned 86 and has a trophy to prove it. The family moved to North Platte where Ralph attended school, graduating with the class of 1953. Following graduation, he worked for a couple of years in Wyoming and then joined the U.S. Navy in 1955. He was honorably discharged in 1959. Upon returning to North Platte, Ralph went to work for the Game and Parks Commission where he worked until 1976. Ralph married Kathy Manners of Cozad in 1961 and had two children Kimberly and Kurt. The couple later divorced. In 1970, Ralph started building the kennel west on State Farm Road. He ran the kennel until 1982. Ralph built and remodeled several houses. He built caskets, urns and rustic furniture, which he continued to do until he was 84 years old. He purchased his dream homestead south of North Platte and remodeled it in his own unique rustic style. Ralph was preceded in death by everyone who has died before him, including his parents, Edward and Mary Jennings; siblings, Nettie Frost, Bonnie Neely, Dale Jennings, Dixie Greenwood; and most recently his dog Paris who died 24 hours prior to Ralph's passing. Survivors include his ridiculously good looking children Kimberly Jennings and Kurt (Candy) Jennings; grandchildren, Garrett, Elizabeth, Cori, Ryan, Sean; numerous other family members and friends. Memorials are suggested in Ralph's name. Online condolences may be shared at adamsswanson.com. Service is at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, near Maxwell. For those who are unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed at adamsswanson.com. Visitation is from noon-7 p.m., with family present 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, July 26, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.