John A. Jennrich, age 83, of Nevada, IA, died at his home on Monday, September 12, 2016. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 17, 2016, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Nevada, with Fr. Michael Jennrich O.F.M. and Fr. Rick Dagit officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Nevada, with military honors conducted by William F. Ball Post No. 48 of the American Legion.  Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 5-7 p.m.  There will be a Scripture Service at 7 p.m., which will include a Time of Remembrance.  

Born June 12, 1933, in Minneapolis, MN, John Arthur Jennrich was the son of Francis “Fritz” and Josephine (Waite) Jennrich.  He grew up in Minneapolis where he attended Roosevelt High School, graduating with the Class of 1951. 

In 1953, John was drafted into the United States Army and served with the 999^th Infantry in Korea.  After being honorably discharged in 1955, he returned to Minneapolis where he trained as a meat cutter and obtained employment with the Red Owl Stores and later with Cub Foods.  He retired in 1996, after 37 years in the industry.  

On July 27, 1957, John was united in marriage to Louise Sparish in Cumberland, WI.  The couple made their home in Minneapolis and raised their family of three children:  Michael, Chris, and Tom.  In 2005, he and Louise moved to Nevada to be closer to family.  

John was an avid Minnesota Viking fan and was a supporter of his grandchildren’s various activities and events.  He was active in Kiwanis and enjoyed volunteering in the community.  John will be remembered as a man who enjoyed the simple things in life, whistled while he worked, loved others, always shared a smile, and made people laugh.  John was truly a man of integrity who taught by example.  

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Louise; three children, Michael Jennrich of St. Louis, MO, Chris (David) Burling of Nevada, IA, and Tom (Doreen) Jennrich of Clive, IA; three grandchildren, Josh and Ben Burling of Nevada, IA, and Kayla Oakes Harper of Apple Valley, MN; and two great-grandchildren, Vance and Finn Harper of Apple Valley, MN.  He is also survived by two sisters, Rose Ann Reddick of Arlington, TX, and Kathy Wright of Plymouth, MN; as well as several nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

John’s family is deeply grateful for the loving care provided by the Bliss Clinic Radiation and Oncology Departments and the Mary Greeley Medical Center Hospice Home Care Program. 

Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada has been entrusted with the care of John and his family.