Robert Jules Jennen

Robert Jules Jennen, 93, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Monday, July 18, 2016, at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls.

Robert was born on August 17, 1922, in Marshall, MN, to Jules and Julianne (DeBaere) Jennen. When he was eight years old, he moved with his family to Fergus Falls Township in Otter Tail County. He attended country school in District 96 and High School in Fergus Falls.

On May 30, 1947, Robert and Anita Giorgini were united in Holy Matrimony at Our Lady of Victory Church in Fergus Falls. They lived on Bob's home farm until 1954, when they purchased their own farm in Carlisle Township. In 2000 they moved into Fergus Falls where Robert enjoyed tending his yard as he had his farmland.

Robert was a member of Our Lady of Victory Church where he was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3118, and served as an usher for many years. He volunteered as a transporter at Lake Region Healthcare and also at the Salvation Army, ringing bells through many Christmas Seasons.

A dedicated and passionate farmer, Bob was a "Steward of the Land”. He began his career using teams of horses and retired using four-wheel-drive tractors. He was an award winning member of the Crop Improvement Association. Bob took great pride in his herd of registered Holstein cattle, winning awards for production and showmanship. He loved all animals, especially horses, and enjoyed giving pony rides to children of visiting friends and family.

An avid fan of country music, he played the guitar in his younger years and enjoyed listening to accordion music. He also enjoyed roller-skating, dancing, playing cards, hunting and fishing, watching rodeos, spending time with his family, playing Santa Claus for his grandchildren, and eating Anita's cooking.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Anita; his parents; three brothers: Daniel, J.R., and Virgil; and two sisters: Marianne Gould and Juliet Trumble.

Robert is survived by his four children: Daniel (Lynette) of Fergus Falls; Barbara (David) Nelson of New Albany, OH; David (Bonnie) of Erhard; and JoAnn Jennen of Chicago, IL. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Rebecca (Bradley) Babcock, Annette (Darrin) Johnson, Philip (Jessica) Jennen, Dominic Jennen, Robert Nelson, Tyler Nelson, Michelle Jennen, Stephanie Miksche, and Michael Miksche; seven great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren. His surviving siblings are Richard (Marlys) Jennen, Elbow Lake, MN; Beverly Alm, Mesa, AZ; and Jerome (Jan) Jennen, Fergus Falls, MN; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be directed to Our Lady of Victory School.

Visitation: 5:00-7:00 PM Friday, August 12, 2016, at Olson Funeral Home with a public prayer service at 6:30 PM followed by rosary led by the Knights of Columbus.
Service: 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 13, 2016, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fergus Falls.
Clergy: Father Alan Wielinski
Interment: St. Otto’s Catholic Cemetery
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls, MN