Jeremy James Jennings

Jeremy “Jerry” J. Jennings, 55 of rural Devils Lake, ND died on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND. Funeral Services for Jerry will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake. Rev. Ken Bowman will officiate and burial will be at a later date. Friends may sign the register book at the Gilbertson Funeral Home on Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. Honorary Bearers are Larry Weed, Donn Manasterski, Aaron Newcomb, Bob Weed, Patrick Jennings and Matthew Jennings. Jeremy James Jennings was born on February 13, 1954 at Bismarck, ND, the son of Willis Charles and Elaine Mae (Warnes) Jennings. At a young age, he moved with his parents to Devils Lake and attended Prairie View Elementary School and Devils Lake Central High School where he participated in hockey. He entered the United States Army on August 18, 1971 and served his country during the Vietnam War as a Tanker with the Armored Division in Erlangen, Germany. He was honorably discharged at Fort Dix, New Jersey on August 12, 1974. After his discharge, Jerry studied as a Heavy Equipment Operator in Miami, Florida. He then went to work at Dakota Radio in Devils Lake installing radios and doing tower work. Jerry then began his 35 year career with the United States Postal Service as a rural mail carrier in the Starkweather area and later the Devils Lake area. Jerry had just retired on March 1, 2009. Jerry also met the love of his life 35 years ago and he was united in marriage to her, Bonnie Manasterski on December 7, 2000. Jerry was an avid hunter, fisherman, gardener and proud member of the NRA. So many things were just second nature to Jerry-he could be a mechanic, a contractor, a construction worker, (he built their house and the other buildings on the farm), there wasn’t anything he couldn’t do. He took great pride in raising and selling top quality quarter horses. He had a very special talent with all animals, and if you saw Jerry you saw his hunting dog. Jerry’s seeming ability to communicate with animals was due to the generous, understanding, gentle and empathetic compassion he showed for every human being he met. He was always ready to offer a helping hand to anyone in need. But what always made this quiet, gentle man smile-time with his dear family and friends. He was so very loved and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Jerry is survived by his wife, Bonnie Jennings Parents: Elaine and Paul Putnam of St. Augustine, Florida Sister: Robyn Jennings, Chicago, Illinois Brothers: Jonathan Jennings and his wife, Angela of Bozeman, Montana Joel Jennings of St. Augustine Shores, Florida Brothers-In-Law and Sisters-In-Law: Donn Manasterski, Brocket, ND; Helen (Donn) Cronce, Fairbanks, Alaska; LaVon (Daniel) Senger, Breezy Point, Minnesota; Ann Fandrich, Wisconsin, John Manasterski, Waupaca, Wisconsin and Joyce (Chuck) Bratsven, Fairchild, Wisconsin; Special Friends: Larry Weed, Bob and Helen Weed and Aaron and Marlys Newcomb. Many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by his father, Willis; grandparents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Sam and Tillie Manasterski.