Dean S. Jennings

Dean S. Jennings,78, of St. Joseph , went home to be with Heavenly Father on Saturday, June 28, 2008 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center , St. Joseph . A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday at the Christian Reformed Church, 3275 Washington Ave. , St. Joseph with Dr. Norm Thomasma officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may call from 3:00-5:00 P.M. & 6:30-8:30 P.M. Tuesday at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd. , St. Joseph . Memorials may be made to the Christian Reformed Church Building Fund. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com . Mr. Jennings was born April 26, 1930 in Benton Harbor to Stanley & Lucy (Grabemeier) Jennings. On June 17, 1956, he married the former Elizabeth Meskimen at Peace Temple United Methodist Church in Benton Harbor. Dean graduated from Benton Harbor High School 1949, and from the University of Michigan in 1953. In 1956, he graduated from the University of Notre Dame Law School and was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan. He practiced law as a well-respected attorney for 51 years, until his retirement in 2007. In 2001, he received an honorary degree from Lake Michigan College for lifetime achievement. Dean devoted his life to following his Lord and Savior, and leading his family to do the same. He was an extraordinary and selfless man who always placed his family’s needs and desires before his own. He had a passionate love for golf, gardening, serving the church, spending time with his family and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and other activities. He was a model Christian and godly man that set a high standard and example for his family and all who were privileged to have known him. Dean is survived by his wife Elizabeth; six children-Thomas Dean Jennings of St. Joseph, Dale Stanley Jennings of Austin, TX, Elizabeth Ann (Ray) Mays of Stevensville, Craig Philip (Sue) Jennings of Stevensville, Gail Lynn (Gary) Bruce of St. Joseph, Lee Torry (Elizabeth) Jennings of Berrien Springs; and fifteen grandchildren-Sarah Jennings, Michael Muench, Luke & Regan Jennings, Chanelle & Corey Mays, Chelsey, Cooper & Gavin Jennings, Hailey & Erin Bruce, Elise, Aidan, Ashlin & Maia Jennings. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Dorothy Jennings & a brother Howard Jennings.