Leave a Memory 

Rev. Dr. Christopher Brokks

I met Joel 15 years ago when we worked together on an event for the National Center For Fathering. Upon meeting him, I immediately knew that he was somebody that would be important in my life. For the past 15 years he mentored me and coached me as both a minister and as a business person. I currently lead Minnesota's first black-owned venture capital firm, and I attribute much of my personal success to the mentorship of Joel. I loved him.

❤️❤️Therese Fleck👠

When I was going to first meet Mr. Jennings I was a little scared. Being Tracey's girlfriend and meeting her dad!! But, my thoughts and feelings of fear did not diminish entirely right away, they turned to fear in a good way. Mr. Jennings told me to call him Joel (Awesome, first name basis) just like our Lord in Heaven. He accepted me just where I was at in life. Once while having dinner at their home he asked everyone at the table, "If you could meet one person either dead or alive, who would it be?" Answers like Abraham, Moses, and Peter were being said and of course I threw out there Bette Midler! You know we all had to answer why. He loved me just where I was at like our Lord in Heaven. Then there were several bible studies I attended of his that he invited me to, so rich and full of truth and grace, just like our Lord in Heaven. He knew I was a tap dancer and told me he was too and wanted to learn some steps from me. One year, Tracey lined it up that I would surprise him and come tap dance for him at his birthday. What a blast, he loved it (even though I was a rusty) and loved me just like our Lord in Heaven. Whenever I would see him he would ask me, "So what are you doing with your life?" His eyes so full of love, his voice so tender and reassuring, his demeanor so peaceful and assuring, yet challenging me to walk the walk not just talk the talk. To live for Jesus and complete the call on my life and love those that our God put in front of me. Joel taught me so much, loved me so much and I don't think he ever really knew it. Joel to me was JUST LIKE OUR LORD IN HEAVEN! Thank you kind sir for being who God made you to be and complete the call He put on your life. Well done and have blast tap dancing on those streets of gold!!!

Guest

Edmond

(Physiotherapist Heshima Children Center. Nairobi Kenya)

Rest in peace Grampy, l came to know Him when I joined Heshima 2010 and I have seen many children's lives improve physically,also in special education and become independent in most areas.Families have been Empowerd through his contribution of growth of Heshima.

Truly he was God sent,may Almighty God continue blessing the Hagmans.

Timothy Velner

Great man; great family. Thinking of you Jodie and Todd.

Randy Olmstead

Rest in well-deserved peace Joel. I had the incredible pleasure of working for Joel in the late 80's, and always felt that he was my most significant mentor. Prayers to Mary Lee and the rest of the family.

Enrique and Sandra Baltierra

Joel and MaryLee were wonderful examples and mentors to many. We moved away a long time ago but remember his examples of life lessons and genuine authenticity, faith and love for gatherings of all he touched. He will have a great time in heaven!

Jeanne Pichner

I had the great pleasure of working under the direct leadership of Joel for 29 years at Gopher . For several years was his personal Secretary. He taught me so many life skills. He was my mentor. I became so close to

him and learned so much about him. He didn’t have very good penmanship but I translated it well. Many people came to me for help in deciphering it. He made sure to meet every new employee and made us all feel welcome. He will be missed by all. God‘s Blessings to the entire Jenning’s family.

Guest

Josphine Wangari

(Heshima Nairobi Kenya)

I came to know Grampy through my son joining Heshima when he visit Heshima Grampy was a great man of God who lived to the calling of God. He demonstrated his love by supporting Heshima in many ways and he has left a legacy of Jennings building where our kids will continue get ting Special Education and Therapy. His memories will remain in Heshima

Rob Olsen

In the Winter of 2009, my wife Tammy and I went to India on a Medical Missions Trip with Wooddale Church.

It was on that two week trip that we met and spent time with Joel and Mary Lee.

We connected immediately, and shortly after we returned home, I had an invite from Joel to become a member of Faith at Work. I gladly accepted, and this group of godly men became a life changer for me.

I am indebted to Joel for his invitation.

What an incredible man of deep faith Joel was, and he will always be in my heart for his servant leadership.

He will be missed.

Sherry Jennings Frost, niece

I’ve been fortunate to know my uncle a long time, beginning with being in Uncle Joel’s wedding to Aunt Lee. I feel lucky to have been related to both of them, as they are both so loving and generous with their time, and praise. I always thought their family was so wonderful – 4 kids to play with & a truly fun mom & dad! I remember fondly several times in particular. One, when Greg and I were children, we took a family vacation with the Joel Jennings family at Lake Michigan. Growing up in Virginia, we were not familiar with how cold Lake Michigan might be… Joel told us he’d pay us a quarter for each time we dunked under the water! As I remember it, Greg & I went to town, dunking as many times as we could handle the cold! And he paid up! Fast forward to when I was an adult. Joel & Lee’s 50th wedding anniversary was coming up & I called my cousin Wendi to ask for a suggestion of a gift. She replied, “Why don’t you come to the celebration – being with them will be your gift.” Wow, what a wonderful suggestion and we did come to join the nuclear family, and felt so loved and included, as we marveled at their long and strong marriage. Fast forward again – my father was at the end of his life (2019) and Joel & Lee flew to Virginia to be with him. My dad asked Joel to talk about family. Joel asked, “Do you mean my wife and children”? My dad said no, he meant their parents – Florence and Louis and their times together in New Jersey growing up. Joel immediately began recalling moments from their childhood and I was privileged to hear it – playing 2 man football on the street, summers at the lake in Vermont, attending NY Yankees baseball games with their dad, Joel being sent along on my dad’s dates as a chaperone, Joel getting his job with the County Parks Department, based on Dad being a good worker there & recommending his brother, playing basketball on a gravel driveway, spitting watermelon seeds off a bridge. My father didn’t reply, but laid in bed with his eyes closed and smiled. I could tell it gave him peace and the next morning my father passed away. Joel had come on a moment’s notice, and gave him the gift that no one else could give – loving memories of their childhood. Then after my father died, I had no living parents and I felt so supported as Joel stepped up his contact with me – calling spontaneously from time to time to chat with me. He just rose to the occasion and became a bigger presence in my life, as any wonderful uncle would do. His contact was personal and loving – just as he was each day of his life. I will always remember that generosity and will try to repeat it with others, as my tribute to him.