William Jennissen

The Mass of Christian Burial for William George Jennissen of Staples was held oat 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 12, 2009 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples with Father Scott Wittkop presiding. William passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at the age of 73 years at his home in Thomastown Township. William was born on November 4, 1935 to Matthias and Margaret (Forster) Jennissen at Padua, MN. He graduated from Sauk Centre Public High School in 1955. He was united in marriage with Eileen Rosella Kemper at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre on September 3, 1956. William worked many jobs and was very active in his community. He began work as a dairy farmer and since has worked as an account executive for Brody Chemical of Salt Lake City, UT, drove bus, operated Center Lakes Supply and cleaning business, and worked as a bartender. He served his country as a sergeant in the MN Army National Guard and served his community as a member of the Lions, Jaycees and as a Staples Historical Society Ambassador. He was active with the Staples Wrestling Club, Staples Quarterback Club and the Staples Men’s Chorus. William loved his tree farm, trails and riding his “Gator”. He was an avid fan of high school sports, particularly Staples Cardinal Wrestling, and watching his children compete and coach. He loved to sing and was an all-around Minnesota sports fan. William was preceded in death by his parents, Mathias and Margaret; and sister Caroline Weller. He is survived by his loving wife, Eileen; sons, Mark of Staples, Neil (Amy) of Cambridge, Billy of Isle, Nic (Paulette) of Staples, Dean (Lisa) of Dassel, Keith (Jill) of Rochester, Steven (Sarah) of Cambridge, Lynn (Kessie) of Foley, and Jesse (Kirsten) of Cambridge; daughters, Julie Jennissen of St. Cloud, Laurie (Steve) Pelkey of Brainerd, and Paula (Keith) Brown of Canal Winchester, OH; 26 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; siblings, Marie (Jim) Bagan of Hutchinson, Sister Anita Jennissen of Little Falls, Eugene (Claudette) Jennissen, Margie (Bob) Schmiesing, Tony (Marlene) Jennissen, Rosie (Jim) Miller, Jim (Bernie) Jennissen, all of Sauk Centre, Agnes (Florian) Ledermann of Alexandria, Paul (Doris) Jennissen of Sauk Centre, Joanne Weber of St. Cloud, David (Barb) Jennissen of Sauk Centre, Harold (Jean) Jennissen of Brandon; sisters-in-law, Sister Marian Kemper, and Jennie (Don) Orth both of Sauk Centre; and brother-in-law Cap (Dorothy) Weller of Belgrade. Honorary pallbearers were William’s daughters, Julie Jennissen, Laurie Pelkey, and Paula Brown, and son, Billy Jennissen. Pallbearers were William’s sons, Mark Jenniessen, Neil Jennissen, Nic Jennissen, Dean Jennissen, Keith Jennissen, Steven Jennissen, Lynn Jennisen, and Jesse Jennissen. Interment was in St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Padua.

William Jennissen

November 4, 1935 - September 9, 2009