Joseph John Jennison
Sunday, July 15, 1951
Date of Death:
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Age:
74 years old
Sunday, July 15, 1951
Date of Death:
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Age:
74 years old
Sunday, July 15, 1951
Date of Death:
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Age:
74 years old
Joseph John Jennison
Joseph John “Joe” Jennison, age 74, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away on April 21, 2026 after a courageous 3 ½ year battle with metastatic lung cancer. He was born on July 15, 1951, in Winona, Minnesota, to John and Margaret (Fallon) Jennison.
Joe was a graduate of Mayo High School and went on to build a life centered around hard work, family, and the outdoors. He dedicated 30 years of service as a meter reader for Rochester Public Utilities before retiring in 2010. Known for his strong will and steady nature, Joe was also a friendly and familiar face to many in the community, as he genuinely enjoyed meeting and talking with people.
Joe had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed turkey, and deer hunting, fishing, and especially treasured trips to Lake of the Woods with his sons and grandsons. He found great joy in watching his children and grandchildren participate in their own sporting events, always cheering them on with pride.
He was a devoted sports fan and an active participant, playing softball for nearly 50 years and continuing in a senior softball league well into his later years. In 2008, Joe was inducted into the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame. Joe also loved to travel. One of his favorite trips with his wife Shirley was a trip back to his mother’s roots in Ireland. He had a passion for music, especially hits from the 1960s, Joe also appreciated plays and theater.
Family meant everything to Joe. He was a proud father and grandfather who valued connection and loyalty. While he could be strong-willed, those who earned his trust became part of his close inner circle. He had a playful sense of humor and loved to tease, always in good fun.
Joe was married to Elaine Johnson in October 1972, and together they had two sons. They later divorced. On October 10, 1992, he married Shirley Kramer at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Rochester, and they shared many years together.
Joe is survived by his wife, Shirley; his sons, Tony (Anna) Jennison and Andy (Heidi Versteeg) Jennison; his beloved grandchildren, Michael, Elizabeth, Amelia, Evelyn, Caleb, Isaac, and Elaina Jennison; sisters-in-law, Myrna Jennison and Barb Jennison; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Jack and Jim Jennison.
A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Konstantinos Leventakos and the lung team in medical oncology, Jennifer Bold, NP in family medicine, Joe’s palliative care team and Mayo Clinic Hospice for all the wonderful and compassionate care.
A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 1, 2026 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th St. SE Rochester. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. until time of the service. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.
Joe will be remembered for his love of family, his passion for sports and the outdoors, and the lasting connections he made throughout his life.
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The family of Joseph John Jennison has received the following condolences.
Tony and Andy,
So sorry to hear about your father. I always enjoyed talking with him while you (Tony) and I were playing football and baseball together in high school. I still remember when Mike Kessler and I started calling him "Vinny" because we always saw him sitting in the upper row of Mayo Field during our baseball games and looked like he was in the mafia. I had the pleasure of seeing him again a number of time while I played senior softball a couple years ago. We always had great conversations and he kept me updated on you two. I wish you both my condolences and best wishes.
Corey Dahl
Jennison Families
I am so sorry for Your Loss of Joey. We went to high school and graduated together. We also attended a high school reunion together in which I'll never forget.
Joey was a Wonderful Caring Kind Man.
Extending My Sympathy to All of You with Prayers n Hugs.
Kathy Hammel
Hello there Tony & family; just a note to you from those that admit to knowing about, that old group, “The GANG”.
Our sincere sympathies to you all with the loss of your Dad.
May time heal the sorrow you now share in your loved ones passing and soon bring comfort and consolation to all.
With kindest personal regards, cordially,
Louie & Marian Bortolon
Son, Ryan & Dawn
I first met Joe about 45 years ago as we played on the same softball team. He was a great teammate and became a lifelong friend. Joe was a positive influence on every member of the team. He was a fun guy to be around after the game with his great sense of humor and stories. I will miss seeing Joe at our monthly luncheons. Joe, Rest in Peace and thanks for the many great memories. Talkin' Softball !
So, where did I meet Joe? Why on the softball field, of course! He, like many of us, played softball for decades. We enjoyed the athletic prowess that our bodies could produce and the thrill of victory. When age began to take its toll, many of us joined the RSSA (Rochester Senior Softball Association). It was there that I encountered Joe.
Throughout the years, he became a friend, a teammate, sometimes a foe, but always a competitor. Joe was not without opinion. He generally spoke what was on his mind. For example, One time, while we were taking batting practice, I hit a rather feeble ground ball. Joe, waiting to bat next, stated firmly, "Swing through the ball, Dan!" He was always a mentor.
Another time, I was playing in the outfield. A long fly ball was hit between the center fielder and me. We both ran toward the ball, then as if both of us expected the other to catch it, it fell between us. When the inning was over and we trotted back to the dugout, Joe calmly exclaimed, "That was your ball, Dan!"
But that is not to say Joe was perfect himself. One time, he was playing in the outfield and a high fly ball was hit toward his area. He had a bead on it and headed to snare it. Looking up to track the ball and trying to control your balance while running is not always a graceful affair. Well, Joe overran it a smidge and attempted to correct the situation by applying the brakes. Although he made a dramatic stab at it, he was just a hair late and the ball hit the turf. Joe had some colorful words to say; something I won't repeat here, but It did include something about self-deprecation! We all had a good laugh at his expense, but he had a sense of humor and took it in stride.
One day, not all that long ago, Joe brought his vehicle into the Ford Dealership to have it repaired. He needed a ride home and I was there to provide it. We talked, of course, about sports and when nearing his home, he confided, "I've got a bit of cancer." I am sure it was hard for him to say. It was not easy to hear. I dropped him off at his door. It was the last time I saw him.
If heaven is what it is cracked up to be, there will be some great softball fields and some fantastic players. If, one day, I am fortunate enough to get there, I assume there will be games and, of course, batting practice. And if I hit a feeble ground ball again, no doubt, Joe will be on hand to declare, "Swing through the ball, Dan!"
Joe helped keep Mayo HIgh Class of '69 smiling and lively. Goodbye Friend...Jake
Working with Joe at RPU was always a good time. He had a great sense of humor and could always make you smile. I also played softball against Joe and we loved to give each other crap about their play. I will always remember Joe and the good times we had! RIP Joe.