David Jennings

David Michael Jennings, 74, of Savage passed away peacefully in his sleep the morning of May 21, 2023, at a family cabin in northern Minnesota.

David was born Dec. 17, 1948, the son of David H. Jennings and Genevieve (Gustafson) Jennings of Truman.

David graduated from Truman High School in 1966. He attended college at the University of Minnesota in Morris for one year and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. David was honorably discharged in 1972 achieving the rank of staff sergeant. He then attended Mankato State University, graduating in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in political science, magna cum laude.

David worked as a carpenter and a Congressional staff aide before being elected to the Minnesota State House of Representatives in 1978, representing District 27B. In only four years he became the minority leader and served that role until he was elected Speaker of the House in 1985. He held that rank until his departure from the legislature in 1987. David worked for American Building Contractors and then moved to Marshall where he was employed as a corporate executive for Schwan’s.

He briefly went back into public service as the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce under Gov. Jesse Ventura. He then became the CEO of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce. In January of 2002, David became COO of Minneapolis Public Schools and served as interim superintendent of the Minneapolis School District. He went on to serve as deputy director of operations for the Minnesota Historical Society. David then accepted a permanent appointment as superintendent of schools for the Eastern Carver County School District, based in Chaska.

David believed that public service was a public trust and to that end his integrity and insight had the respect of not only his peers and friends, but those he served.

David loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed reading and discussing literature with his book club, eating great food, sipping on a brandy Manhattan, doing a crossword and listening to people and learning from them. He didn’t want to just know your name. He wanted to know who you were. His hobby was trading and driving cars. He had a passion for listening to music, focusing on great lyrics. David wanted to work with his hands to build something and would be happy to help a friend in need with any project they had. He would help those same friends with life guidance and suggestions should they also need that.

Those who knew him will never forget him.

Remaining to carry on David’s memory are his wife, Susan; son, John T. Jennings (Sybil); step-son, Steve Chesley (Paula); grandchildren, Kelsey Leroux (Rhys), John D. Jennings, Rachel Chesley and Ryan Chesley; brother, Thomas Jennings (Deborah); sister, Pege (Ken Bobbit); and nieces, Heather Jennings and Sarah Atkinson (Peter). The many family members and friends of David will tell stories about him for decades to come.

A social get-together honoring David M. Jennings will be held at a later date.