There are no words to express my pain from losing my "sister's husband". This was often how I referred to Bill. LOL He was a great husband, dad & grandpa to his three granddaughters. He is sorely missed by all who knew him. He ended our conversations by phone, while hospitalized, with, "I love you." That warmed my heart.

Marsha Miller-Hunt
March 9, 2021

My deepest sympathy to all your family. Bill was a special guy, wonderful artist and a friend to everyone he met. Hugs and prayers are with all of you.

Tamie (Royer) Hopper
March 9, 2021

Gerb was one of my favorite teachers in high school. Always kind and humble, he treated his students as equals and always encouraged us while never actually giving us the answers. That was one of the things that made him so good at his job. I still have the mug he made me for graduation; he was such a generous soul. So sorry for your great loss.

Jessica
March 9, 2021

Last time I seen Bill was when my grandkids and I came over fishing. It was a great day, Bill was smiles ear to ear, he really knew the simple things in life were the most important. He dearly loved his wife, son, daughter and granddaughters. His standard he set at Waukee High School believing in, encouraging and bringing out the best in his students set the bar high for every other teacher there and yet to teach at Waukee Schools. Waukee has lost a great one who’s influence lives on in the many many lives he touched. Well done Bill! Prayers and deepest sympathy to his family. Don Bailey and family

Don Bailey
March 9, 2021

Bill was a great teacher & friend. He was for sure a one of kind. Prayers to Family.?????? Cindy Voecks

Cindy Voecks
March 9, 2021

I almost don't know where to start. I first met Bill in 5th grade when we moved to Van Meter (population less than 350 at that time). He has been a true friend ever since. Whether we lived a few miles apart or 1,500 miles apart it didn't matter. When we were planning to be in the area we always got together. His family was the biggest part of him. He was so extremely proud of his grandkids. If you wanted to put a big smile on his face just ask what the grandkids have been doing. Worked every time. For many friendships you have to work at it. Not with Bill. It was that feeling you got that he would always be there if you needed him. Kids will be kids and Bill and his friends were proof of that. From school basketball, little league, fishing on the Raccoon River, Sledding down the hill at school and many many more things Bill kept us all together. From 5th grade and beyond. It is tough to loose a friend but a life long friend is even tougher. I am so honored to have known Bill and count him as a true friend. He will be greatly missed. But I know that he has instilled so much into his family and friends that he will live on and on in all of us.

Bruce Woods
March 9, 2021

Jennings made high school a fun thing to do! I have always enjoyed running in to him at odd places here and there and catching up on the months weeks or years since the last time we had crossed paths. Truly an “artful” and inspirational person on life! He will be missed.

Larry Stanley
March 9, 2021

This memorial rings true. I talked with Bill 10 times through the Summer of 77 when both of us went into The Yard for a draw and conversation. He was always easy going and so fun to talk to about everything from artistic painting to painting houses, which I was doing for Mike Edwards. Truthfully, The Junkyard Tap could get very wild on (pick a night). The next afternoon Bill would calmly convey to me the stories of fighting, singing or bally-hooing that I otherwise would never have noticed. He was a gentle yet very strong person and he made you feel you were around a fair man when in his presence. I since moved out West. But will treasure these memories and dutifully say some prayers. (He is watching,) Just a great guy, and look forward to future conversations with him again.

Jerry O'Brien
March 9, 2021

So sorry for your loss. Mr Jennings was a very special person. He cared about his students and made a difference in my life helping shape the person I am today. He will be missed.

Gayle Feldotto (Ellis)
March 9, 2021

One of the greatest influences I had in my early Life. Thank you Gerb for your support and advice and guidance. May you forever live in everyones hearts and memories.

Hethe Breuer
March 9, 2021

To the family and friends of Bill Jennings, I offer my condolences in the lose of a great friend and sibling. My your spirit walk in peace Bill Jennings.

Mac D VanPelt
March 9, 2021

So sorry to hear this, my condolences to his family. I took Art Class at Waukee High school all 4 year, he was a great teacher. One of best and he should be in the hall fame of best teacher at Waukee High. When the question gets asked what teacher made an impression in your life he is one of the ones that I have mentioned. He was a very private person which can honestly say I did not know anything personal about him. I just knew of his talent and his passion to teach art. I actually have a print of his that I purchased many years after I graduated in 1982. RIP Mr. Jennings.

Christine Olson-Moran
March 10, 2021

So sorry to hear this. He was such a cool and inspiring teacher. Prayers for your family.

Jody (Cayler) Vidrine
March 10, 2021

I remember walking into the art room for my first parent/ teacher conference with Mr Jennings. There he was, huge impressive skull rings on many fingers, and many kind words about his students. He went way over and beyond for my daughter ( who became an art teacher)... and much support for my son’s wrestling. Love and memories to his family and friends.

Julie Backsen
March 10, 2021

To the family of Mr. Jennings, you have my deepest sympathies. Mr. Jennings was one of my favorite teachers, and we were all blessed to have many great teachers at Waukee. He loved art and wanted us to love it too. I wasn't a natural like some of my classmates, but he was so willing to encourage, and show a trick or two he knew. Then something would turn out OK and he'd give you some praise and you'd get a little confidence. Before long I really enjoyed what I was doing in art. He really seemed to like all of his students and enjoy his job! It was really sad to hear he passed at such a young age.

Jon Day
March 10, 2021

When a school friend texted me that Bill Jennings passed away a couple of days ago at 73 years young, my thoughts went right back to high school art class at Waukee. I thoroughly loved drawing and Mr Jennings pushed me broaden my talent and taught me how to do just that. He also tried to show me how to "throw" pottery on that crazy pottery wheel which I can truly say I was not fond of (LOL)! My thoughts and prayers are with Mr Jennings' family and friends during this very trying time. God bless.

Sue "Johnson" Denmon
March 10, 2021

So sorry for loss. I was only in Waukee HS senior year as an exchange student from Spain but he helped me so much and made my year so much better. The mug he gave me is always with me to remind me how people who care make a difference. He lives on in the memories of so many.

Elena Gosalvez
March 11, 2021

Mr Bill Jennings "Gerb" Waukee High School Art Teacher & Mentor... He was a true human that walked his talk... He was very humble, kind & an artistic genius. He was genuine with his gift to teach. He empowered artistic expression in his students. He was like a spiritual healer through art... His style of art class & music was my safe escape during my odd high school years... One of my favorite memories was the raku wood fire kiln event many years ago! I understand the grief of physical death of a loved one and the void it leaves. May the memories of Bill help heal our aching hearts & souls in this time of grief. May his spirit live on in each of our lives as we continue to create art, conserve nature & embody kindness through our world. Bill, say hi to my mom Barb & dogs Barney & Tally as you soar through the heavens! I am eternally grateful for your life and how you shined upon the world. Peace, Love & Light, Nurse Jenny PS Thanks for my personal art mug from 1991! I have & will always cherish it!

Jenny Taylor
March 11, 2021

Mr. Jennings, as he will always be to me, was one of my dad’s best friends. It as an unlikely pair, the art teacher and the PE teacher/ wrestling coach, but it really worked. And when he started assisting with the wrestling team, I know it made my dad so happy. They really enjoyed each other’s company and neither minded long silences. ?? As others have said, he was very private, but always positive and kind. He truly loved working with young people and sharing his love for all things artistic. He was most helpful in selling my mom’s car when she passed and we were out of state following her services. He was just truly a beautiful spirit and treated others with kindness and respect. His impact will be felt by many, many for a very long time.

Pam (Thomas) Brems
March 11, 2021

I met Bill only a few years ago. He helped me with digging out my driveway. I talked to him several times in his garage at his home. You could tell he loved that garage and spent many, many hours in it. Truly a nice man. My condolences to his famiy.

Doug Albaugh
March 11, 2021

We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Bill. He was truly one of a kind. Always made me laugh when I talked to him. His passion for art was exceptional and very interesting! We are both thinking of Bill's family and hoping they are cherishing all the memories of Bill. With Sympathy, Kim and Scot Clark

Kim and Scot Clark
March 12, 2021

Man that is some great advice! RIP Bill.

Richard Jungman
March 13, 2021

I was an honor to learn from and teach with Gerb. He taught me patience and the virtue of appreciation of the craftsmanship and uniqueness of everything. He taught me how to recycle clay through pugging. When I had a cone misfire and melted my first kiln full of the “empty Bowls” projects, he helped me by firing all the remaining student and teacher projects. Nothing was ever wasted on Bill. Every student had worth. Value every second! I cherish my hand made belt clip key chain he made me. I’m holding it now with fond memories and a few tears. Not many teachers wear boots to work every day!

Marcus Smoot
March 25, 2021

With deepest Sympathy to you Audrey and all the family, Happy Heavenly Birthday Bill. I will sure miss our conversations at the family reunions, RIP my cousin. Robin

Robin Anderson
March 29, 2021

Thank you for everything.

Matt
October 25, 2022