David “Stumpy” Jenneke

Obituary

David “Stumpy” Henry William Jenneke was born on December 11, 1948, in Glencoe, Minnesota. He was the eldest son of seven children to Hillard Arthur and Ruth Eleanor (Hardel) Jenneke. David was baptized as an infant on December 25, 1948, by Pastor C.E. Mix at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Plato, Minnesota, and later confirmed in his faith as a youth on April 15, 1962, by Reverend Eugene W. Roesler at Zion Lutheran Church in New Auburn Township, Arlington, Minnesota. His confirmation verse was Psalm 127. David received his education in Arlington and graduated from Arlington High School with the class of 1966. David grew up on a farm near Arlington, where he helped milk cows and do farm chores.

On February 21, 1969, David entered military service with the United States Army at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. He earned the rank of PVT E-2 and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Sharpshooter (M-14) Badge. David received an Honorable Discharge on June 26, 1969, from Fort Rucker in Alabama.

On July 19, 1975, David was united in marriage to Cindy Reinitz at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe, Minnesota. They made their home in Glencoe. They were blessed with two children: Troy and Jennifer. David and Cindy shared over 17 years when Cindy passed away on January 13, 1993. Sometime later, David met Mary Fleck. On April 10, 1999, they were united in marriage at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe. David and Mary shared over 26 years together. 

For 28 years, David was employed at the Independent Elevator in Glencoe, unloading grain and making animal feed. Following that, he became employed by William Mueller & Sons in Hamburg, Minnesota. He crushed rock there for over 21 years. It was there that he became interested in collecting agate from the rock pits. Throughout all these years, David also helped farm for Greg Brinkman and other local farmers who needed help during the planting and harvesting seasons. At the age of 67, David decided it was time to retire. David was an active member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe, where he served as a deacon and an usher for a number of years.

David loved spending time outdoors, whether it was hunting, fishing, or going on long walks. During the wintertime, he would take his daily walks at the fieldhouse. He enjoyed traveling in his motor home, exploring new places, and when he was younger, he was active in softball and dart leagues. He enjoyed playing sheepshead and dice with his grandchildren. He cherished the time he spent with family, and truly treasured every moment spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

David passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025, at The Gardens at Winsted in Winsted, MN, at the age of 76. Blessed be his memory.

David is survived by his
Wife, Mary Jenneke of Glencoe, MN;
Daughter, Jennifer Jenneke of Hutchinson, MN;
Grandchildren, Kiersten Jenneke of Hutchinson, MN,
                         Drew Jenneke of Hutchinson, MN,
                         Jeffery Thorson, Jr., of Hutchinson, MN,
                         Brennan Jenneke of Hutchinson, MN,
                         Hailey Thorson of Hutchinson, MN,
                         Caden Jenneke of Hutchinson, MN;
Great-Grandchildren, Stella Anderson, Theo Thorson, Hazel Thorson;
Siblings, Rodger Jenneke (Barb) of Glencoe, MN, Sue Rannow (Wally) of Glencoe, MN, Jerry Jenneke (Dianna) of Hutchinson, MN, Kevin Jenneke of Winthrop, MN, Lisa DeCasas (Tony) of Glencoe, MN, Christy Arredondo (Louie) of Arlington, MN;
Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law, Sue Jacobs of New Ulm, MN, LuAnn Fleck of Glencoe, MN, Maggie Steffl (Pat) of New Ulm, MN, Leo Fleck Jr. (Roxi) of New Ulm, MN, Robert Fleck (Pam) of Mankato, MN;
Many Nieces, Nephews, Other relatives, and Friends.

David was preceded in death by his wife, Cindy (Reinitz) Jenneke; Son, Troy Jenneke; Father and Mother, Hillard and Ruth Jenneke; Fathers-in-law and Mothers-in-law, Kenneth and Freida Reinitz, Leo Sr. and Colleen Fleck; Brothers-in-law, Greg Fleck, David Fleck, and Mark Fleck.