Hartford City
Brian Jennerjahn, 75, passed away June 20 at his
home surrounded by his family.
He was born October 1, 1940, in Appleton, Wisconsin,
the oldest son of Lucille (Fuhrmann) and Merton Jennerjahn.
He graduated with highest distinction and a bachelor’s
degree in Industrial Technology from the University of Wisconsin-Stout,
Menomonie, Wisconsin in 1964.
Brian moved his family to Hartford City, Indiana, in
1969, to work for 3M. He began his own company, Jennerjahn Machine, Inc. in
1978, drawing up plans for his machines in his living room, renting various
spaces in Hartford City to build the machines, eventually buying a building in
Matthews, Indiana, where he began producing slitting equipment and then various
other machines to meet specific needs. His machines are in 21 countries and
every continent except Antarctica. It is estimated that nearly 80% of all cash
register rolls used in the United States are produced on Jennerjahn rewinders.
Brian was an avid “gearhead” always working on cars
and engines. His early love of drag racing eventually shifted to open wheel
cars in the Sports Car Club of America where he raced a Formula Vee for 34
years. He considered his greatest achievements in automobile racing to be his
June Sprints and Brundage Cup victories. Both victories were in cars powered by
engines Brian built.
Brian was a member of Rotary and met weekly with his
beloved “geezer” group of retired men.
He was a cherished husband, father, and grandfather
survived by his wife of 51 years, Ruth (Hopfensperger); daughter Jane Peavler
and husband, Gary of Brookfield, WI: son Chris Jennerjahn and wife Kristie
(Brown) in Hartford City; and daughter Kate Marshall and husband Jeff,
Centerville, IN. Grandchildren include Brett, Leah and Kevin Peavler; Adam,
Alexandra, Evan, and Sophia Jennerjahn; Helaina, Lewis and Livia Marshall. Also
surviving is one brother, Paul and wife Kathy of Appleton, WI.
Visitation will be Friday, June 24 at Waters Funeral
Home, Hartford City from 4-7 p.m. On Saturday morning further visitation will
be from 9-11 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with a memorial service
at 11 a.m. officiated by Father Dave Newton and Rev. Lloyd Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be
made to a charity of their choice, to Lightrider Ministries in Upland or
Blackford Community Foundation to be used for Imagination Library or an
Industrial Arts program at Blackford High School.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at
www.watersfuneralhomes.com.