Dr. Robert Jennings

Robert (Bob) Lowell Jennings, MD, passed away peacefully of natural causes the morning of November 6, 2015. Robert was being comforted by family members at the Baptist Home in Bismarck, ND, at the time of his passing. Bob was 81 years old. Services will be held at 1:00 pm Monday, November 9, at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1004 E Highland Acres Rd, Bismarck, with Rev. Donna Dohrmann officiating. Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm Sunday, November 8, 2015, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E Divide Ave, Bismarck. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Military graveside services will be held at 3:00 pm Monday, November 9, at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Robert Jennings was born in the town of Minot in Ward County, North Dakota, on September 18, 1934. He was the only child of Jen (Arnold) and Leroy Jennings. He grew up in Mandan, ND, and graduated from Mandan High School in 1953. He attended the University of North Dakota where he met his wife Edna (Bunting) Jennings from Lignite, ND. They married on December 27, 1955. After graduation they moved to Burlington, VT, so Bob could attend medical school at the University of Vermont. There they had their first child, Marie in 1961. Upon achieving his Doctorate in Medicine Bob served honorably as a Captain in the Air Force where he was moved around several times before being permanently stationed in Minot, ND. While stationed at the Minot Air Force Base Bob and Edna had their second child, Pamela. After Robert was honorably discharged from Service the family moved to Bismarck in 1966 and started in private practice. In 1967 his son Scott was born. In 1971 Robert joined with several other prominent Physicians in the area to cofound Mid Dakota Clinic where he served as a board member for many years and built a thriving practice until his eventual retirement in 1997. During his career he filled many rolls in addition to his regular practice, including, serving as North Dakota delegate to the American Medical Association for several year, acting as physician to the legislature when needed, and helping out as sideline physician for the local High School basketball games. Bob always seemed to have that “small town” doctor in him and carried his physician bag with him wherever he went and was known for stopping and offering his services wherever he was needed. In addition to his practice, Bob served on the Bismarck school board for many years and was active in building Century High School. He also supported many local charities including the Special Olympics, Dakota Zoo, and was a supporter of the Rural Fire Department. Bob was not all about work and civic duty, and enjoyed many hobbies. He loved to travel and took his family on many vacations to several states including Alaska and Hawaii. Bob and Edna hosted many foreign exchange students and enjoyed taking them along on their vacations. He enjoyed riding horses in the badlands with family and friends and was a long-time member of the Badlands Trail Riders. A swimmer and basketball player in high school, he enjoyed playing sports and especially loved playing league basketball until being injured in an “oldies league” game. He was known for his ballroom dancing at the many fundraisers he attended. All of that aside, he was first and foremost an avid golfer and was a member of both Apple Creek Country Club and Riverwood golf course. He enjoyed both league and tournament play and won several local tournaments over the years. He came very close to being a ‘scratch’ golfer and had a single digit handicap for many years. He passed along his love for golf to his daughters. He is survived by his three children: Marie L. Jennings, Canton, MI; Pamela J. Jennings, Jamestown, ND; and Scott A. Jennings, Bismarck, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife Edna who died in 2004. Condolences may be sent to 1922 E. Ave D Bismarck, ND. Please send memorials to the Dakota Zoo or Special Olympics.