Dave Jennings passed away on Tuesday evening, November 10, 2009, at the University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis at the age of 65. He passed peacefully with his family by his side and surrounded by love.

David Edward Jennings was born May 14, 1944, in Hamilton, Ontario, to Hedley and Florence (Clements) Jennings. He was raised in Milton, Ontario, graduated from Milton High School, and attended Ryerson Institute of Technology in Toronto. He married Margaret Emond on July 14, 1967, in Willowdale, Ontario. After marriage, Dave continued his education at Michigan Technological University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration degree. During his career, Dave worked for 3M, Sheldahl Manufacturing, and Rosemount Engineering, which later became BF Goodrich. He worked primarily as an aerospace engineer until retiring in 1999. After retirement he spent his time working on home improvement projects. However, he only took non-paying jobs which included working on the Manger Inn, working on his daughter’s houses, and working as building manager at the United Methodist Church.

When talking about his life, Dave said the most important things were Family, Church Family & Friends, Foster Parenting and Work. Dave loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. Dave was a longtime, very active member of the Northfield United Methodist Church. In 1975, Dave and Peg became foster parents, and over the course of 26 years, were the foster parents to over 150 children. Dave was always active; his favorite activities were wood working, taking long walks with Tucker, and gardening. He was involved in Faith in Action, Habitat for Humanity, and mission work. Dave and Peg greatly enjoyed their friendships at their cabin on Leech Lake where they attended the Community Church of Walker UCC. Although Dave’s journey with cancer was short, he provided a model for all to follow. At every turn, Dave made the path an easier one to walk for his family. Dave will be remembered by his family and friends for his generosity, kindness, helpfulness, sense of humor, smile, appreciation of others, his can-do attitude, living life to the fullest, loving and fun nature, laughter, and friendship.

His family includes his wife of 42 years, Peg; 6 children and their spouses: Karen and husband Brad Hanson of Owatonna, Cynthia and husband Jason Turley of Williamstown, West Virginia, Michelle and husband Adam Bumpus of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Jodi and husband Jake Blahnik of Winona, Kurt of Moose Lake, Joseph of St. Louis Park; 11 grandchildren: Meretta, Bennett, Lisabet, Mathieu, Mackenzie, Colby, Megan, Nicholas, Jack, Ayden and Magdalyn; sister, Shirley Salt, of Ontario; numerous foster children; nieces, nephews, & other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Beverly Read.

The family invites you to share your memories and stories of Dave on the Caring Bridge website at:

www.caringbridge.org/visit/davejennings

Services will be 11AM Saturday, November 14, 2009, at the United Methodist Church in Northfield with Rev. Marty Raths officiating. Music will be provided by Donna Paulsen. Interment will be in Oaklawn Cemetery, Northfield. Visitation will be 4-7PM Friday, November 13, 2009, in the Fellowship Hall of the United Methodist Church. Visitation will continue at the church on Saturday one hour prior to the service.

Memorials are preferred to the Northfield United Methodist Church, the Community Church of Walker UCC, or caringbridge.org.

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.