John M. Jennett

John Michael Jennett (Born January 28, 1954, deceased July 9, 2020)

John Michael Jennett, son of Pat (D. Patricia) and Bill (William A.) Jennett, passed away July 9, 2020.  John was a beloved sibling to Bob (Robert) Jennett (spouse, Maria) and sisters, Janice (Jennett) Gomez (spouse, Oscar Gomez) and Mary Jennett.  He was a beloved uncle to nine nieces and nephews:  Anna Jennett (spouse, Scott Weigel), John Jennett, Helen Jennett, Angela (Gomez) Smith (spouse, Ted Smith), Christy (Gomez) Hupe (spouse, Michael Hupe), Nicole Gomez, Michael Gomez (spouse, Elleanor Schluter), Ellen Gomez, Mary Grace Gomez; and to six grandnieces and grandnephews:  Lola Weigel, Lucia Weigel, Elena Weigel, Freya Gomez, Oscar Gomez, and Vincent Hupe.

John grew up in the north suburbs of Chicago with his family.  He was a former Marine and deep-sea diver, spending his early career years in Louisiana.  He then moved back to the Chicago area where he reunited with old friends and was close to his mother (his father having passes away the year before) and siblings, sister-in-law, Maria, and brother-in-law, Oscar, enjoying all kinds of warm family times together, as he welcomed his 9 nieces and nephews.  In 1999 he moved to Denver, following Bob and Maria who had moved the family there in 1995.  Some of our best memories with John are drives and hikes into the beautiful Rocky Mountains.  It was in Denver that John received specialized care for his chronic neuropathy condition, which he is of the opinion that he contracted via contaminated water when in the Marines.  

John was heroically courageous and trusted God, as he walked a physically difficult path.  Treatments for his neuropathy consisted of chemotherapy every 1.5 years starting in 1999.  He was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2019 which progressed to very painful cancer of the spinal cord, and to eventual cardiac arrest.  Even while in severe pain since January of this year, John never ceased bringing his good cheer, humor, trust and knowledge to us and all he met.  His attitude throughout, until the end, was inspiring!  Oh, how we will miss him!

John brought the family charm, love, inspiration and encouragement many!  We are moved by and grateful to the many old friends we have spoken with since his passing away. 

We are sorry we haven't shared this news sooner.  Covid-19 had us navigating a new path in funeral and other arrangements.  Due to the restrictions on gatherings, we needed to limit invitees to the immediate family and several of John's dear and closest friends.  We celebrated and honored John in a funeral Mass on Saturday, August 29, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Denver.  As it was John’s wish to have his ashes be buried with his parents, Pat and Bill Jennett, we are also planning a Mass at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and burial service at Assumption Cemetery, both in Winfield, Illinois, on October 24.  We invite family and close friends to attend.  If you would like to attend, we would love to see and welcome you; however, please tell us in advance, as there is a limit to the number allowed at the church and at the gathering after, at Cantigny Park.  Please contact Mary (maryjennett@hotmail.com) or Janice (cristore9@gmail.com) if you would like to attend. 

If you would like to correspond with the family you may use the two emails above for Janice and Mary, and Bob’s email is rjennett51@gmail.com.

Thank you and God bless you and your families during these tumultuous times.

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