Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Michael Jennings Obituary
Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Friday at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Wisconsin Rapids. The Rev. Jim Altman will officiate. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Ritchay Funeral Home and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church. Mike was born Nov. 12, 1943, in Louisiana to Dr. Thomas "Tim" and Joan (Wicker) Jennings. His first marriage to Ann Taylor ended in divorce. He married Terri Weller on Jan. 5, 1995 in Wisconsin Rapids. She died Nov. 3, 2010.
Mike graduated from St. Norbert's College in DePere and then the University of Minnesota in St. Paul, Minn. Mike was owner and operator of Taylor, Vollert and Jennings Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids for 37 years.
Mike was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council No. 1558 of Wisconsin Rapids, Bull's Eye Country Club, Ruffed Grouse Society, Alpha Delta Gamma and the Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association. Mike was a member of the Assumption High School Hall of Fame and was on the inaugural Channel 7 Basketball All-Star Team. Mike enjoyed playing cards, gardening, camping, hunting, golf, traveling, visiting the IGA deli and visiting the ladies at the Register of Deeds.
Mike is survived by four sons, Pete (Beth) Jennings, Tim (Pam) Jennings, Andy Jennings and Ben (Sara) Jennings all of Wisconsin Rapids; daughter, Nichole (Matt) Swentkofske of Chicago; grandchildren, Chelsea Jennings, Aaron Jennings, Angela Jennings, Brittney Shearier, Courtney Shearier, Colton Shearier, Cody Carlson, Zachary Erickson, Taylor Jennings, Kayla Jukich and Aliyah Jennings; three brothers, Tom (Gretchen) Jennings of Eagle River, Alaska, Brian (Laura) Jennings of Tallahassee, Fla., and Dan (Vicki) Jennings of Wisconsin Rapids; and three sisters, Joy Cannava of Boca Raton, Fla., Jill Metcalf of Wisconsin Rapids and Mary (Jim) Devine of New Berlin. Mike is also survived by many nieces, nephews and other family.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Terri.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be designated to Assumption High School Athletic Association or to the Association of Frontal Temporal Lobe Degeneration (AFTD).
"The Jennings family wishes to thank Pine Ridge and Ministry Home Care Hospice for their wonderful services and to Harry North for his loyal friendship."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Jennings
Georgia & John
November 29, 2021
Mike, we still think of you often & reminisce about some good times had with you & Terri. You were gone too soon. We miss you.
Jay Nordstrum
December 9, 2011
My deepest sympathy to all the family.I was deeply saddened to here of Mikes'passing.I considered Mike a true friend and someone who had a profound impact on my life.At the age of five,when Mike was a lifeguard,he coaxed me into doing different stunts off the diving boards.Something I never would have tried on my own.I went on to compete in many diving competitions because of Mikes' training.Mike never forgot me and was truly a life long friend.He will be missed.
Kay and Craig Bassuener
December 9, 2011
Our thoughts are with you during this time. I am sure you are sharing many great memories together as you honor your dear brother, dad, family member, friend..... He was one of a kind! And will be truly missed.
George Conway
December 8, 2011
Mike "Tim" Jennings will always be remembered for his warm spirit, smile and infectious laugh. There was not a bad bone in his body. He played on one of the best AHS basketball teams ever assembled. He was an All Star in every sense of the word whether it be on the court, at the WR Pool lifeguarding or just being a friend. Thanks Tim we'll miss you.
John & Georgia Eichhorn
December 8, 2011
One of our fondest memories of Mike was the one time we got him to fly to Mexico with Terri. We spent a week eating chips & guacomole & relaxing on the beach. He really enjoyed it. We'll miss both he & Terri at the campfires up north, but I know they are happy to be together again. He was a wonderful guy! Loved him.
Angela
December 7, 2011
Pete and Beth,
Sorry for your loss, Your dad was so wonderful with our family when Dad and Ronda were gone he had such a wonderful heart, he is always there with you, and your family.
December 7, 2011
I forgot to mention that Mike was a member of the River Rats----only a few of you will remember that----the parents will never forget it---my dad had to drive to Green Bay to pick up the boys after they hopped the train on 1st street----guess they thought no one would find out and didnt figure how they would get back home----little sister knew---me Dede
Dede Skibba
December 7, 2011
mike gave me a ride to our local pool on the handle bars of his bike. thought I'd died and gone to heaven-----it was only 7th grade----big secret crush--I have been friends with all the family as well as all my brothers and sister were---SSPP --forever
Pat Conway Thorpe
December 7, 2011
Wonderful memories of sharing summer "life guard duty" at the Rapids pool. Mike was marked by a winning smile and a great sense of humor. Thoughts and prayers to all the family.
Mindy Mock
December 7, 2011
Can still recall the day that Mike came in and made tacos for our staff at lunch. What a guy!! Mike was one of my favorite customers. I always enjoyed his great sense of humor.
December 7, 2011
My Condolences to the Jennings family.. Great people!! What a nice guy!!! Todd Sowatzke, Phoenix, AZ.
Cindy Cepress
December 7, 2011
As a former "Register of Deeds Lady" I enjoyed Mike. He brightened the office when he walked in. The number of people he touched can't be counted. He will be missed.
December 7, 2011
You are all in my thoughts and prayers...
My deepest sympathy.
Jennifer (Starr) Dietsche
Bridget Loveless
December 7, 2011
My deepest condolences for your loss. Mike was a good man with a great sense of humor. I will never forget Andy and him hanging out where I worked one night, long ago, after deer hunting. Lots of laughter. He will be missed.
Bo and Sandi Ceplina
December 6, 2011
Our deepest sympathies to the Jennings family. We will always remember Mike for his amazing sense of humor and his kindness through the loss of our own family members. He was a wonderful man.
Vern & Joanie Schuetz
December 6, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. We have many fond memories of all of our boys growing up together during our years on 10th Street. God Bless You!
December 6, 2011
Our deepest sympathies to the Jennings family. Mike was always very kind and he always had the right words to say when we lost a loved one. He will be greatly missed by us and many others!
Wayne and Candy Munro
December 6, 2011
Our sincere sympathies to the Jennings Family. Many years of fond memories all the way back to AHS. We will miss him. Lola and Dave Hell (Marbella, Spain)
Sharon & Bob
December 6, 2011
Our sympathies to the Jennings Family. We have so many fond memories of Mike.
Joann Starr-Becker
December 5, 2011
My sympathies to the Jennings family, thoughts and prayers to all of you..
Cindy Kauth Dupree
December 5, 2011
Lots of great memories of a great guy. Sorry for your loss.
Pete & Jean Jacoby
December 5, 2011
Our sympathies to the Jennings Family. Having began my funeral directing career at Taylor Funeral Home, Mike taught me the tips, tricks and techniques I still use today. I was proud to call him friend. He will be greatly missed.
Charlie Mantey
December 5, 2011
I just wanted to let you know that as a fellow funeral director that I respected your father's services and friendship during the loss of my own family members.Always was great to see Mike.
December 5, 2011
It was my great honor to have known Mike and befriended him . He and Erv have done so much for the native american community . They have always been there . I will be there for mike and family Our prayers are with you in this time of sorrow . We will miss his comforting hand shake and smile , god bless
Pamela Draper
December 5, 2011
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. May your family and friends comfort you during the coming holidays and the ongoing days.
December 5, 2011
I'm sorry to learn of Mike's passing. He will be missed my many in the community! Dick Walrath Hancock, MI
Jill Livernash
December 5, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers to all of you.
December 5, 2011
Fairwell to one of the best partners that a golfing friend could ever have.
John, Sr. (This msg from Hong Kong)
December 5, 2011
Sorry for your loss.Mike was a great person and a good friend to all that met him.May God speed your healing.R.I.P. Mike Danny Jaecks
December 5, 2011
Sorry for your loss.Mike was a great person and a good friend to all that met him.May God speed your healing.R.I.P. Mike Danny Jaecks
Jim Sachs
December 5, 2011
Remember Mike as a good athlete at Aaumption High School and a good friend of my first wife Jean.
Sue
December 5, 2011
May God bring you comfort during this difficult time. I am very sorry for your loss.
Sandy Knuth
December 5, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Jennings's name
Memorial Events
for Michael Jennings
How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Jennings's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
