Jean Ann and family,
So sorry to hear about Bob's passing. Every time I would see him he would remind me that he was the one who introduced my mother and father to each other. I had him as a gym teacher at Immaculate Conception School and not only did he teach us about sports, but he imparted many good life lessons. He'll be missed, he was a good man.
Kevin Bader
October 28, 2021
The name of Bob Jennings was so synonymous with Regis High School and All Saints. A passionate man for all the many things and people he loved. Mike and I were classmates from grade school through high school. I remember he and Cathy's "going together" back then. My deepest sympathy to all of you. I am going to be out of town so I regretfully will not be able to attend the services and see you all as I would like.
Judy Shimon Gustafson
October 27, 2021
To the Jennings family. This is to be a tribute to your mentor and loved one. As an "old-timer" and lifelong fan of Coach/Red/Bob, I have many memories of him, Pat, Jim, Don and Mike (as a tyke). They began in early grade school in the late 1940s. Coach taught "gym classes" (Phys. Ed.). He was my basketball coach from 5th grade ('51-'52) through Junior Year ('57-'58) at Immaculate Conception and at Regis during its first year of existence ('58-'59). He was my baseball coach during all 4 high school years. We never won a state championship, but we won often and were always competitive (Coach taught us that). He loved being involved in sports. Believe it or not, he was a baseball umpire in NE Iowa semi-pro leagues in which I often pitched. After leaving CR during grad school, I often talked with Coach on return trips. I always admired his loyalty to his schools and to his former players. He attended funerals and class reunions on a regular basis (his speech at Regis' 50th Reunion in 2009 was heartfelt). Coach loved to proudly talk about the "good old days." I am sure I share the sadness of hundreds of former players, classmates and friends at Bob's passing, but we take solace in the memories of a wonderful guy for a life well-lived. John Willenborg Regis Class of 1959
John Willenborg
October 27, 2021
It was my pleasure to work with Bob as a fellow school administrator. Bob ran a good school, and was effective with all types of students. I got to know his extended family and held them in high regard as well. I join with all who are celebrating Bob's life. In all his roles, he was always an educator. I am proud to say he was my friend.
William C. Jacobson retired educator
william Jacobson
October 26, 2021
My sincere condolences to all of Bob’s extended family.
Although he was never my coach, that’s what I always called him out of respect for what he represented to so many students and athletes that he touched. He and I first met in 1959 when Regis High School began and have been friends ever since. Farewell “Coach” !
Joe Zachar
October 26, 2021
I met Bob when we were both at Regis High School. We became friends when I made sure his son, Mike, had all his football equipment which he sometimes forgot to bring with him. When I moved to Prairie, with his recommendation, I met his brothers, Jim and Don who were in administration and coaching. That’s when I came to understand that they considered the people who worked with them as part of their family. Bob as a father, was always tough but fair with members of his academic family. One more memory goes back to when I was I high school at Dowling. We played Regis in basketball at Dowling. How much fun we had and how I came to know why they called him Red because he got so intense during the game that his face lit up. The students at Dowling liked getting him all riled up.
Jim Tursi
October 26, 2021
To all of Bob Jenning's family I was saddened to hear and read of Bob's passing. I enjoyed our conversations over the years at my employer Elderkin and Pirnie about my late husband Bobby McCracken and his classmates ('64) at Regis. He was always kind and complimentary about his former students. He also liked to talk about the great athletes of my graduating class of 1967 at Jefferson that won the school's only state basketball championship that he knew even though he was no longer coaching t Regis. He truly loved his family and friends and was a wonderful caretaker of Pat. He certainly missed her and now they are together once again. My prayers are with you all - you certainly had a great role model as your father.
Nancy L. Doonan McCracken
October 25, 2021
Mike, Jean, and Debbie,
You will hear many wonderful stories about your dad. As you probably remember, Grandpa Andy worked with my Dad for many years at Wernimont Display. They were two lovable, talented, occasionally gruffy artists who worked side by side in “The Shop.”
Your dad always treated me kindly, especially after my mother died between our junior and senior year. He loved teaching common sense, real life lessons. Truly, to this day, I still hear him telling us to always wear clean underwear and socks every day, shower with soap, and use deodorant…advice that got me much farther in life than most high school courses.
He encouraged me to go to college even though things were challenging at home. 15 Years later he hired me to referee high school games at Prairie as newer young official…again something I will never forget.
May he Rest In Peace. A good life lived by a wonderful man.
Ted and Von Wernimont
Ted Wernimont
October 25, 2021
The Jennings Family
Bob’s passing is truly significant to those of us who went to Prairie when the brothers were there & to my family specifically. Jim & Don were so caring & supportive of our mom after our dad’s passing. As a student growing up the Jennings brothers were vital to the “ spirit” of the school. Condolences for your loss. Certainly Heaven will experience a jubilant celebration when, as Chris wrote, the Red Jennings’ are together for all eternity.
Sandi LEIDIGH Mertz
October 24, 2021
I had the privilege to have know all of the "Jennings boys". Each and every one of them were such wonderful men. With Bob's passing our community loses the tremendous gift of the Jennings legacy. God bless the remaining Jennings family! Sincerely, Steve wahle
Steve Wahle
October 24, 2021
Mike, Jean Ann and Debbie your Dad was my coach at Regis. He was beloved by so many. I always loved his passion for sport but more importantly for life. He touched so many lives in such a wonderful way. The legacy he leaves to all of us to contribute what you can when you can has to be very special to all three of you. Blessings to you and your families from of those lucky people who was forever influenced by a great man.
Douglas Henderson
October 24, 2021
I took care of Bob at Cottage Grove Place for many years. He was an amazing person who made everyone smile. I quickly realized he knew my husband from prairie. Not only did he knew him , but he was there at my husbands bedside back in 1992 when he was in a bad accident. What teacher does that, Bob Jennings! You will be missed by all who knew and loved you. Alyssa and Vic Sackett
Alyssa Sackeyy
October 22, 2021
Words can’t describe what my uncle Bob meant to me. He was like a second father to me. He ALWAYS encouraged me to do my best in life and carry on the Jennings name! The hundreds of lives he touched throughout this life is unforgettable. I am so for fortunate to have been surrounded by Bob, my uncle Jim, and my dad, Don. They have taught me so many things in life and how to become the best person I can be. May all the “Red Jennings” enjoy heaven together. Chris Jennings.
Chris jennings
October 22, 2021