Richard Douglas "Doug" Jennings

*September 11, 1942 – August 5, 2025*

Richard Douglas "Doug" Jennings, faithful servant of God, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, successful businessman, and cherished friend to many, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025, at the age of 82.

Doug was born on September 11, 1942, to Howard and Ethel (Stoltz) Jennings in Huntington, Indiana. Doug is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ron Jennings and Ken Jennings, sister-in-law Karen Jennings and brother-in-law JD Hill.

Doug lived the final 20 years of his great life anchored in his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. His devotion to God was the foundation upon which he built everything else – he and Patti’s marriage, his family, business adventures, and his relationships with others. He was a faithful Christian who walked humbly with his Lord, allowing his faith to guide his steps through his earthly journey.

Doug is survived by his beloved wife, Patti J. Jennings, with whom he shared not only a lifetime of love and partnership, but also a deep spiritual bond rooted in their shared commitments. Together, they demonstrated what it means to love as God loves. In addition, he is survived by Marcia Jennings (mother to Jenny, Jill, Jeff and Jim), siblings Rosie Hill and Rick (Kelly) Jennings, many nieces and nephews, special friends Allison and Jeff White, Steve Wheelock and Amos Bolen and a church family he cherished.

Doug was a loving father to six children – four by blood and two by love: Jennifer Herman (John), Jill Dinsmore (Rusty), Jeff Jennings (Tammy), Jim Jennings, Mary Rausch (Brad), and Ryan Kuczen (Jennifer). His heart made no distinction between biological and chosen family; he loved each child completely and unconditionally. He led his family not just through his words, but through his example of faithful living.

As a grandfather, Doug's heart overflowed with love for Jennifer Zoetmulder (Greg), John Herman Jr. (Natalie), Tara Meo (Johnny), Haley Kuderer (Evan), Meghan Dinsmore (Mike Speranza), Sydney Kuczen, Jaden Kelleher (Brandi), Keaton Kelleher (Emily), Jake Jennings, Kaitlyn Kuczen, Avery Rausch, Addison Riddell, Emily Kuczen, and Jack Douglas Kuczen. He prayed for each of them faithfully and delighted in sharing God's love with them.

Doug's legacy of faith will continue through his great-grandchildren: Abby Hertel, Alec Hertel, Remi Brown, Rory Kuderer, Eileen Kelleher, and soon to join us, Baby Meo. Though they may be young or yet to come, they have been blessed by the prayers and godly influence of a great-grandfather who loved the Lord.

In 1971, Doug founded Jennings Air Frate (JA Frate), where he built a reputation as a man of integrity and excellence in business. His colleagues and employees respected and loved him for his fair dealings, genuine care for others, and the way he conducted business. He approached every business relationship with honesty, kindness, and respect. The legacy continues as he turned over the reins of JA to his children many years ago.

In 2018 along with Patti and friends Allison and Jeff White, Believe In The Children was created to serve all children and their families in Northern Illinois. That legacy continues.

Doug found great joy in life's simple pleasures. He was an avid boater and traveler who loved spending time on the water, often sharing these peaceful moments with family and friends. He and Patti supported each other’s “crazy ideas” whether as alpaca farmers, buying a restaurant or traveling the country. His competitive spirit and love of fellowship with Jeff and Allison White, shone through his passion for euchre, where many cherished memories were made around the card table with laughter, friendly competition, and good-natured ribbing.

Doug will be remembered as a man of deep faith, quiet strength, and Christ-like character. His life was a testimony to God's grace, and his gentle spirit reflected the love of his Savior. He demonstrated with family and friends what it truly means to love unconditionally. Whether in the boardroom, on the water, or around the card table, Doug's faith and character touched everyone he met. While we mourn his absence, we take comfort in knowing that Doug is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior, experiencing the fullness of joy that comes from being home with God. His earthly race is finished, and he has received the crown of righteousness promised to all who love Christ.

A celebration of Doug's life and homegoing will be held Saturday August 09,2025, where family and friends will gather to honor his memory and give thanks for the blessing he was to all who knew him at Freeport Church of Christ ,1635 S. Carroll Ave., Freeport, IL. Visitation is from 9am- 11am with a funeral service to follow. A memorial celebration will also be held Tuesday August 12, 2025, at The Dole Mansion (401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, IL) from 4-7pm.

In lieu of flowers, Doug requested that loved ones honor his memory by growing in their own faith, showing Christ's love to others, and continuing the legacy of faithful living and unconditional love that he so beautifully demonstrated. While Doug requested “No fuss, no flowers...”, he asked that any benevolent memorials be made to Freeport Church of Christ or Believe In The Children Freeport, IL.

"Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord." - Matthew 25:23