Frederick Baxter Jennings, age 93, passed away on October 10, 2022. He was born on May 6, 1929, in Howard City, Michigan, to Ralph and Jessie Jennings. He was predeceased by his wife, Joyce; brothers, Robert, and Stuart; and sister, Betty. He is survived by his daughter, Renee (Mike) Collins; sons, Thomas (Linda) Jennings, John (Elizabeth Paredes) Jennings. He was loved by six grandsons; Patrick (Emily), and Sean O’Malley, Ryan (fiancé Megan), and David Collins, Ryan and Devin Jennings; and great-grandsons, Connor, and Dillon O’Malley. He is also survived by his dear nieces and nephews, Candi Edwards, Gloria Waterhouse, Richard and Shelly Podleski, Craig Jennings; and his special friend, Joanne Malosh. Fred was raised in Howard City, Michigan, attended Michigan State University and served 8 years in the Air Force during the Korean War. He was married to a wonderful woman, Joyce, for 53 years who was a registered nurse. He enjoyed ceramics, biking, reading, Michigan State football and spending time at the family Big Whitefish Lake cottage. Fred lived a full and joy-filled life.
The family will celebrate his life with private memorial service at Reynolds Cemetery in
Howard City, Michigan. Condolences may be shared with the family at gerstfuneralhomes.com. In honor of his hometown, Howard City, and his love for reading, tributes can be made to The Timothy C. Hauenstein Reynolds Township Library, 117 Williams St. Howard City, MI 49329. You can make checks payable to TCHRTL in Fred’s memory.
9 Responses
Fred was indeed the definition of F.U.N. ! ! I loved him from the moment I met him at a MSU tailgate. Always looked forward to seeing his smile, sharing a few cocktails and dancing.
I send prayers, much love and big hugs to the Jennings family.
We will miss you, Fred! You always brought joy and laughter to all gatherings. You will be there in spirit at every MSU game. Love, The Redhead Diane and the McMillan Family.
A wonderful man that spread joy to all he touched with his whit, wisdom and inquisitive nature. “Grandpa Fred” was a true legend, from raising a great family alongside Joyce, to selling Chevy’s in Howard City and maintaining his #1 fan status for his Spartans, he will be missed, but he is surely bending God’s ear to figure out a way to get his Spartans back on track. God bless Fred and the entire Jennings clan during this difficult time.
My dear friend had the most infective smile. I loved his humor, his sensitivity, his compassion and his wonderful laughter. I am so sorry that his last time here on hearth was uncomfortable for him. You can be so very proud of “My Good ‘ol Friend”. He will be wonderfully remembered and sadly missed. His friend, Gerry
I am so sorry to hear this! I knew Fred (and Joyce) years ago. Fred and Joyce always credited my Dad for helping him get a job at General Motors. Prayers and cares.
We loved everything about Fred. His smile, his humor, his political discussions and most of all his love for life and family. Fred was a humble man that we considered our second father. The world is smaller without him, but the heavens are filled with his joy. We will miss you Fred, but you memory is etched in our hearts. Love you Fred.
I only meet Fred one time but I know he was gentle and wise. He will be missed by the many lives he touched. Fred and Joyce are reunited. Prayers for all who will miss him.
We feel very blessed to have known Fred. He always made us laugh and we will most certainly miss all the funny Fred text message stories. Sending thoughts and prayers to the family!
Dearest Renee, Mike and family,
Larry and I loved seeing and spending time with Fred. He and Joyce always wanted to know what we were up to and how we were doing. They were both kind and caring people. And we are happy that they are reunited.
You are the epitome of unconditional love. The love and care you gave your dad and granddad was a gift. A gift you all cherished. We know you will treasure your memories always and celebrate that he is at peace.
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. XoXo