Donald L. Jennermann

Donald L. Jennermann passed away at home on June 19, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born on December 20, 1939 to Eva (Johnson) Jennermann and Oscar E. Gunderson in Ladysmith, WI. At the age of 11 he moved to Madison, WI with his mother and ever after considered it to be his heart home. Born at the end of the Great Depression, Don nevertheless prevailed through hard work, determination, and guidance from inspiring academic mentors. As an 11-year-old in Madison, he earned money by putting together a shoe shine kit and setting up a business in the Capitol Square. When he was finally old enough to have a newspaper route, he had not just one, but several. Don continued to work throughout high school and college. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with Bachelors and Masters degrees in Comparative Literature and received his PhD from the Indiana University School of Letters, under the tutelage of Newton P Stallknecht. He moved to Terre Haute to teach in the English Department at Indiana State University. His love of Ancient Greek and desire to teach that language led him to a position in the Foreign Language Department and eventually to the Humanities Department, teaching Classics and Humanities courses. He soon became Chair of Humanities and shortly after, Director of Honors. He was especially proud of developing the Honors Program, creating the President’s Scholar Program and mentoring the talented students over the years, many of whom are still in contact. Don retired after 41 years at Indiana State University and then taught Latin for another 10 years as an adjunct. Don leaves behind a legacy of exemplary scholarship, leadership, teaching and writing, especially his beloved poetry.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 48 years, Gretchen (Bauer), his daughters Maraina Jennermann and Caroline Jennermann of Little Rock, AR and his sons, Ted Jennermann, his wife Sara and their children Elizabeth and Josephine of Bend, OR and Alex Jennermann, his fiancée Amanda Boyed and her son Jaxon of Terre Haute. (Luna the cat misses her lap pillow.) Also surviving are four nephews, Jerry Gunderson of Alaska, and Lewis, Bruce and Scott Gunderson of Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents, nephew Richard Gunderson, mother-in-law Gersilda Bauer and siblings Gladys Gunderson, Al Jennermann and Arlene McConley.

Cremation was chosen. A gathering to remember Don will be held at a later date. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Terre Haute Humane Society, Hospice of the Wabash Valley or the Anne B Jackson, MD Memorial Scholarship at the ISU Foundation, or to a charity of your choice.