Brian Patrick Jennings

Brian Patrick Jennings, 70, passed away at home on Saturday, May 23, 2026, following a brief illness. He was born on February 4, 1956, in Wisconsin Rapids, to Dr. Thomas “Tim” and Joan (Wicker) Jennings.

Brian graduated from Assumption High School in Wisconsin Rapids and later attended the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. During his senior year at Assumption, the Royals captured the 1973 Wisconsin Independent Schools Athletic Association State Championship in football. After defeating Green Bay Premontre 31-14 in the semifinals, the team went on to beat Milwaukee Marquette 12-10 at Lambeau Field. Brian was a starting linebacker and punter for the Royals and also played basketball. Many friends may also fondly remember him as one of the first streakers to dash across the Grand Avenue bridge back when “streaking” became a memorable trend. In high school, Brian was also part of the short-lived but unforgettable group “Ba Na Na,” a crew known for keeping everyone entertained.

Music was one of Brian’s greatest passions. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, he was a member of Buckskin Slough with John Hanson and others in Wisconsin Rapids. From 1984 to 1986, Brian performed with the Wisconsin River Bluegrass Boys with Art Stevenson, singing and playing both guitar and bass. The band traveled throughout Wisconsin playing clubs, weddings, and festivals across the state. Brian also performed with the Radio Bluegrass Show with Jed Malischke in Wisconsin and Minnesota before eventually spending a short time living in California. A gifted musician with a larger-than-life personality, Brian brought energy, humor, and joy to every stage he stepped onto, delighting audiences of all ages.

In 2001, Brian moved to Tallahassee, Fla., where he married the love of his life, Laura (Innes) Jennings. Together they built a wonderful life filled with love, laughter, family, and lifelong friendships. Brian worked for the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection as a surveyor and engineer until retiring in 2018. Summers were often spent at the family cabin on Mercer Lake in Minocqua, a place he dearly loved. There, he enjoyed cooking, mushroom foraging, fishing, sharing a wee dram of whisky with family and friends, and spending time with his loyal companions, Jessie and Lucy Lou.

Brian fought bravely and courageously, facing every challenge with strength, humor, and determination. He was truly one of a kind — a storyteller, musician, outdoorsman, and friend whose presence left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His legend will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Brian is survived by his loving wife Laura of 25 years, whose devoted care, unwavering support and encouragement carried him through the battle of his life; his children, Kenneth (Brooke) Williams and Jenna (Brandon) Reichert, whom he loved as his own; and his four cherished grandchildren, Harvey Reichert, Nora Reichert, Layla Gorum, and Piper Williams, all of Tallahassee.

He is also survived by his sisters, Jill Metcalf of Wisconsin Rapids; Joy Cannava of Boca Raton, Fla.; and Mary (Jim) Devine of Brookfield; his brothers, Tom (Gretchen) Jennings of Minocqua, and Dan (Vicki) Jennings of Wisconsin Rapids; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Brian was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother and sister-in-law, Michael W. and Terri (Weller) Jennings, and Jessie, one of his loyal companions.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, June 11, at 5 p.m. at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, Fla. Another celebration will be held later this fall in Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Jennings family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Brian and his family.

“Here by the camp-fire’s flicker,

Deep in my blanket curled,

I long for the peace of the pine-gloom”

-The Three Voices by Robert Service.