Charles M. Jennings, 86, a resident of Kenosha, died Saturday March 30, 2013, at Brookdale Clarebridge in Kenosha.

Charles was born on Sept. 9, 1926, to the late Charles W. and Frieda (Williamson) Jennings in New London, Iowa. On Aug. 26, 1946, he married Vivien Swedenberg who preceded him in death in 2011. Charles served his country in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force. He was a founding member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church.

Charles grew up on a working farm in southern Iowa. He graduated from High School at age 16, and enrolled in the U.S. Navy. As he was processed for discharge at Great Lakes Naval Base in Waukegan, Ill., he met the love of his life, Vivien. They married on Aug. 26, 1946, and after a short time in Iowa, returned to Kenosha and started their family while Charles began his career at S.C. Johnsons in the Traffic Dept. He stayed with them for 35 years, was active in their activities.

Upon Retirement from SCJ, he went back and worked for the next 20 years in several capacities, with the favorite role as Conference Attendant at Wingspread.

His main dedication of his life was to the Church, always active in various roles, on Boards. This culminated in he and Vivien becoming a founding family for the Lord of Life Church. They were active in many aspects, including service with the INNS program. He also really enjoyed the Mens Group Saturday Morning Breakfasts, never missing them if possible.

Their private life was active also, filled with family get-togethers, enjoying music, the Kenosha Art Association, and especially traveling on cruises. They were fortunate to take several of them to many different areas. He loved to golf, and was on different leagues, especially enjoying the foursome from Church. In-between those, he loved to watch the grandkids in their sports and music programs and always was supportive of them, in anything they asked of him.

Charles was a man who loved life, people, and helping wherever he could.

Charles is survived by two daughters, Christine (Michael) Van Tilburg of Racine and Nancy Jennings of Kenosha. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Kelly (Jay) Hefferon, Erik (Jodie) Sorensen, Adam (Deanna) Van Tilburg and Corey (Jackie) Van Tilburg and eight great grandchildren Michael, Caylin, Jack, Anna, Julia, Luke, Kayle and Ellen. He is further survived by one brother, Robert (Harriet) Jennings of Corydon, Iowa and many nieces and nephews.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Vivien and brother, Gerald.

Funeral services with full military honors will be held on Thursday April 4, 2013, at 6 p.m. at Lord of Life Lutheran Church. (5601-Washington Rd.) Visitation with the family will be on Thursday at the church from 4:30 p.m. until the time of services. Burial will take place at Southern WI Veterans Cemetery.
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