Bradley Ray "Brad" Jennings (71) of Effingham

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Published on January 14 2022 9:07 am

Bradley Ray “Brad” Jennings, 71, passed away from cancer on Wednesday January 12, 2022 at SSM Health - Saint Louis University Hospital.

Brad was born on January 26, 1950 in Effingham, Illinois to L.R. “Butch” Jennings and Ruth (Gephart) Jennings. He met his future wife, Susie (Niebrugge) Jennings, in the spring of his senior year at Effingham High School. After graduating from Lakeland Junior College in 1970 with an associate degree in engineering, Brad and Susie married on July 11, 1970 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.

In August of 1970, Brad began a long and successful career with the Illinois Department of Transportation. During his tenure at IDOT, he traveled throughout central and southern Illinois while assisting in the construction of Interstate 57/70. Brad eventually moved into an administrative position with IDOT working with Disadvantaged Owned Businesses on state highway contracts. From there, he purchased Jennings Sports Supply from his parents.

After retiring early from IDOT in 2000, Brad went on to pursue many interests. Brad started each morning with friends and a cup of coffee at Niemerg's Steakhouse. He had a heart for rescuing animals and had a love for collecting. Brad also liked to spend his free time with loved ones while boating at Lake Sara. He found so much joy in traveling and meeting new people that he joined an airplane club. Brad also had a passion for cooking, which resulted from a high school job as a cook at a steakhouse. But beyond that, Brad was a multi-talented man who deeply loved and cherished his family. Simply put, Brad was a good man, and he will be greatly missed.  

Brad is survived by his wife of 51 years, Susan “Susie” Jennings, his beloved rescue dog Bean, his son Joshua Ray Jennings, daughter-in-law Amy Jennings, and three grandchildren, Nando, Kohana, and Hugh Jennings, all of Clayton, Missouri.

Brad was preceded in death by his parents, L.R. “Butch” and Ruth Jennings, and father- and mother-in-law Ralph and Dorothy Niebrugge.  

Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham will be handling arrangements. Due to the on-going pandemic, there will be no visitation or funeral services at this time.  A Celebration of Life is planned for later in the spring or early summer.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lake Sara Forever Fund, Effingham Humane Society or Effingham Animal Rescue Society (E.A.R.S.).