Michael Jennings

Michael H. Jennings, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on June 28, 1932, in Troy, New York, Michael was the cherished son of Mary and Daniel Jennings and a loving brother to Dr. Daniel Jennings. His deep bonds with family shaped his life and remained a source of strength and joy throughout his years.

Michael spent his formative years in Vermont, where he developed a lifelong appreciation for nature—filling his pockets with apples on long walks and hiking the nearby hills. In 1950, he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, serving along the Eastern Seaboard until 1954. His deep sense of duty and patriotism remained with him throughout his life.

In 1955, Michael met the love of his life, Vivian H. Jennings. As he proudly told all who would listen, he knew he would marry her the moment he saw her. They became engaged a year later and were married on May 25, 1957, embarking on a lifelong partnership built on love, faith, and shared adventure. Together, they raised five beautiful children: Patrick Jennings, Susan (Jennings) Borowski, John Jennings, Kathy (Jennings) Kinell, and Diane (Jennings) Maan de Kok. Michael also welcomed the expansion of his brother’s family when Dr. Daniel Jennings married Michael’s sister-in-law Mary Jennings. Michael loved visits to Texas when he could see his niece, Mary, and nephews Danny, Philip, Thomas, Robert and his many great nieces and great nephews.

As their family grew, so did Michael's joy. He welcomed with open arms his children’s spouses—Lori (Pat) Jennings, Wayne (Susan) Borowski, Charise (John) Jennings, Bill (Kathy) Kinell, and Jake (Diane) Maan de Kok—and found immense pride in his 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Family was the center of Michael’s universe, and his legacy of love, humor, and resilience lives on in each of them.

Michael enjoyed a long career as a mechanic with United Airlines, where his fascination with aviation met his love for travel. He and Vivian shared many adventures, with Hawaii, Alaska, and Ireland holding special places in their hearts. Throughout their time in Schiller Park, Michael was committed to his community through coaching baseball and time as the president of the local Little League. A devout Irish Catholic, Michael was deeply committed to his parish community, especially his beloved "Cafe Maria" crew, and spent many fulfilling years volunteering in the church’s after-school program.

A proud Irishman, Notre Dame enthusiast, and avid golfer, Michael carried his heritage and passions with humor and humility. He loved life’s simple joys—watching neighborhood birds, sharing stories with family, golfing, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, and cheering on his Fighting Irish and Chicago Cubs.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dr. Daniel Jennings, sister-in-law Mary Jennings, and grandsons Patrick and Nicholas Jennings.

Michael leaves behind a legacy of kindness, faith, and unwavering love. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

As the Irish say, “May you find rest in the arms of the angels, Michael.”

Services will be as follows:

Visitation Friday June 20th, 3-8 pm

Funeral Saturday June 21st

11AM at Holy Virgin Martyrs Parish in Schiller Park