Dana Jennings, 86, of Wagner

A memorial service will be held at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church in Wagner on Saturday, August 8, 2009 at 11 AM.

Dana Close Jennings died July 21, 2009, in his Wagner, SD home, after a prolonged illness. Dana was born in Topeka, KS, to Dana T. and Mary (Close) Jennings on January 24, 1923.

Dana's early years were in Kansas and Texas. He graduated from high school at Cassoday, KS. He served in the US Navy during WW II. Dana completed his bachelor's degree at Manhattan, KS, in agriculture and journalism. Dana's life work was as a photo-journalist. He authored Buffalo Marketing and Management, Cattle on a Thousand Hills, Where the Buffalo Roam Again, and Free Ice Water (on Wall Drug). A friend said, "He broke every rule of the English language and he did it beautifully!" He wrote for J.I. Case, Catholic Rural Life, SD School of Medicine and for several newspapers including The Madison Daily Leader. He taught journalism.

Dana married Sally Hill in Wisconsin in 1950. Six children were born to that union. He married Kay Reecy in 1972 in Madison, SD, and they have one daughter.

Dana joined the Episcopal Church and served as a vestryman, lay reader and wrote a history of Emmanuel Episcopal, Rapid City. He had deep faith in God's loving care.

Dana was preceded in death by his sisters and a great host of beloved relatives.

Dana is remembered by his wife Kay of Wagner and his children and their families: Dr Sue Jennings, Roberta Barham, Fred Jennings, Greg Jennings, Mary Reynolds, Tony Jennings, and Liz Jennings Schaebethal. Dana will also be in the hearts of his 2 cousins, 3 nephews, 1 niece and many, many friends.

Dana donated his remains to medical research.

Memorials in lieu of flowers will be directed to Episcopal Mission Churches of South Dakota.