Mark Edward Jennings

Mark Edward Jennings, age 69, passed away Thursday, April 13, 2023, at University of Toledo Medical Center. He was born June 14, 1953, in Toledo, Ohio to George and Gertrude (Hoffman) Jennings. Mark graduated from Bowsher High School, Class of 1972. He married the love of his life, Judi (Carroll) Jennings, on September 6, 1975. He was employed with DPI (Decorative Panels Incorporated) for more than 34 years, retiring in 2019.

After high school, Mark hitchhiked cross-country to California with his lifelong friend, Tim Drew, enjoying so many experiences along this trip. While in California, he had the opportunity to meet many people, from musicians to Hollywood elites, including James Colburn through his daughter, Lisa.

Mark loved being outdoors. He could often be found on the beach at East Harbor State Park or on the trails at Swan Creek Metropark. He enjoyed kayaking on the Maumee River. He hiked and kayaked at Pictured Rocks National Shoreline with his son Matt. Mark enjoyed running throughout his life and completed a half marathon at age 60. He hiked 15 miles of the Appalachian Trail at the age of 67. If the weather would not allow him to be outside, he made sure he got his exercise in at Planet Fitness.

Mark enjoyed music of many genres, listening to many artists from the 60's through the 80's, such as the Beatles, James Taylor, the Guess Who, the Grass Roots, Moody Blues, Chicago, Styx, and the Beach Boys to name a few. He was also a fan of jazz and enjoyed attending Jazz Festivals in Detroit and Raisin River, Michigan, often with his late friend Mark

Bartholomy or his brother Joe. He especially enjoyed listening to live jazz played by his cousin Jeff Zavac at Rusty's and other spots around Toledo. He has a vast collection of concert and band T-shirts and ticket stubs that would impress anyone.

Mark and Judi love to travel. They often traveled to the Carolinas to visit their kids and grandkids. Other notable trips within the US include California's Napa Valley, Florida, New York, New Hampshire, and Alaska, sometimes visiting family and friends along the way and sometimes traveling with family and friends. They also made several international trips, including Jamaica, the Mediterranean, and the Western Caribbean. They still had many trips that they wanted to take together.

When they weren't busy traveling, they enjoyed getting together with their favorite group of friends, which includes Tom and Jackie, Denny and Jan, Sylvia and Myles, Pat and Ted, and Barb and Tom (recently deceased).

Mark was very generous with his time, volunteering with the Cedar Creek Twinkle Crew and Kitchen.

He was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns. He loved going to games with friends and family and watching them on TV when he couldn't be at the game. He was also an avid fan of local high school teams starting with St. John's and Rossford where his sons attended and played sports. He also followed Central Catholic with his Uncle Louie, cousins Fred Braker, Matt and Mike Zavac, and brother-in law Ted Sweet.

He was extremely proud of his two sons. Fred, who served in the US Marine Corps and went on to become an engineer, and Matt, who is a wonderful teacher. He was especially proud when they each earned their master's degrees a week apart and he was very happy to be able to attend both ceremonies in North Carolina.

Most important to him, Mark was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and cousin, cherishing the time spent with his family. Holidays were always filled with hugs, laughter, delicious food, and memories. Their grandchildren and great-grandchildren were so special to Mark and Judi. Mark lived life fearlessly and with a passion to make every moment count. Friendships were strong and lifelong.

In addition to his parents, Mark was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert John (infant) and Greg Jennings. He is survived by his wife of almost 48 years, Judi (Carroll) Jennings; sons, Fred (Pau) Jennings and Matt (Leah Smelser) Jennings; beloved grandchildren, Meaghan (Jacob) Hoyle, Luci Jennings, Ari Jennings, and Wade Cogar; great-grandchildren, Benji Hoyle and Genevieve Hoyle; siblings, Sandy Paszko, Pat (Jeff) Spohn, Karen (Mike) Johnson, Tom (Sue) Jennings, and Joe Jennings; in-laws, John "Jack" (Jean) Carroll, Pat (Ted) Sweet and Phil (Denise) Carroll. Also left to cherish Mark's memory are numerous cousins, who were also dear friends; nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews and a host of very special friends including classmates from Bowsher High School's "Forever Friends" group.

The family will receive guests Monday, April 17, 2023 at Cedar Creek Church Perrysburg, 29129 Lime City Rd. Perrysburg,

Ohio 43551 from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm with a Celebration of Life beginning at 3:00 pm, with dinner to immediately follow. Officiating will be Pastor Rick DuShane. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Toledo at a later date.

Those wishing to make a Memorial Contribution in Mark's memory are asked to consider the Toledo Metroparks.

To leave a special message for the Jennings Family, please visit www.NewcomerToledo.com