On November 11th, our father, Frederick Jenneman, passed away after a long 10-year fight with multiple myeloma. His battle was brutal, and time was against him, yet he spent every moment spreading love and joy to any and all.

As possibly one of the world’s most incredible men, our father loved without conditions, gave without reason, spoke without bad intentions and seized every opportunity he could to make people laugh. Fred was a selfless soul with a witty personality and an illuminating character. It didn’t matter if you were a family member, a friend, the local delivery guy, or a random stranger in Walmart; your time spent with him would be memorable.

Anyone who knew Fred also knew that he was a proud navy veteran and a hardworking man, but above all, they knew he was the most loving father and husband anyone could ask for. Our father's love was deep-rooted. He was fiercely committed to family and was determined to do whatever he could to support us.

As many of you may know, our family has faced devastating circumstances over the past ten years, one right after the other. And, through those years, our father was an absolute warrior, enduring so much with so little complaint. Fred was first diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2012. This type of blood cancer is considered incurable but “treatable.” Treatments consisted of numerous rounds of chemo and radiation, two bone marrow transplants, and immunotherapy. Every treatment came with merciless and savage side effects. He suffered a heart attack, infections, blood clots, bone lesions, broken vertebrates, irregular kidney functions, excessive weight gain, 24/7 body pain, and so much more. While he struggled, our mother and the love of his life, Christal, also battled with an aggressive stage 3 breast cancer, first diagnosed in 2015, just two years after dad's diagnosis. She, too, has suffered an array of side effects from treatments. Then in 2021, our mother suffered a tragic fall that led to 2 massive brain surgeries from which she is still trying to recover.

As a result of these circumstances, both parents had to retire early and lost their medical and life insurance. For the past few years, they have lived on social security, dad's small pension, medicare and any assistance they may get at times from places like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Year after year, the bills piled up and the hospital and doctor visits were many, while visits with friends and family were significantly reduced due to health risks. That was probably the hardest thing for our dad because he greatly valued human connection. No matter how excruciating the pain, our father would remain selflessly by our mother's side, struggling to breathe. Our father would also continue to fight the long flight of stairs at home to go downstairs, where he would make little wooden nick-nacks that he would then gift to others like hospital staff or newfound friends, and of course, he would share jokes every bit of the way.

Our father was the leading provider in our family, our number-one cheerleader and fan, and our personal entertainer. Towards the end, he struggled with just simply letting go of time with his kids and grandkids because those were his babies. But he wrestled most with knowing that when he passed, our mother would face even more financial burden as his pension would be cut down to only $250 a month along with social security, which would also be significantly reduced. Throughout this journey, our father taught us that prosperity was a mindset, that circumstances build character, and that small affectionate gestures would help someone's suffering while teaching us appreciation. He also taught us that strength, courage and compassion could all be forged from love. Without Fred’s love and support, our family's lives would have been drastically different.

We admit we weren’t ready to lose our father, but we know he is free from pain. And, while our hearts are immensely heavy in his absence, we find great peace in knowing that he will forever live in each of our hearts, reminding us that “love” made the ride worthwhile.

We want to give our father the funeral he deserves, and we also want to help ensure our mother’s medical and living expenses are taken care of for the next few months, so she may grieve and adjust with as little stress as possible. While we are deeply touched and relieved that the Navy will cover our dad’s burial, we struggle to cover the funeral expenses and assist with our mother’s medical and living costs. We have set up this fundraiser account humbly and graciously, asking for any donations to help through this difficult time.

On behalf of our mother, Christal, and us (Melissa, Tara, Leslie, Amanda & Dakota), we want to thank everyone for all the kind words and support they've shown us throughout Fred’s battle with multiple myeloma. It means more to us than words can say!

Regarding funeral services, we welcome and encourage any and all friends and family who knew Fred along the way to please come. He would have loved to see so many gathered together. Funeral services will be on Friday, November 18th, 2022, at Audubon Funeral Home at 61001 Hwy 11 in Slidell, La. Services will be from 4-6 pm. Military Honors and Celebration of life will begin at 6 pm.

All donations to assist with Fred Jenneman’s funeral expenses and Christal Jenneman’s medical and living expenses should be made through this Gofund Me account. **If you need to arrange a different way to donate, please message Tara Jenneman or any other one of his children.

In lieu of flowers for the funeral, we ask that you donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society using the following link https://www.lls.org/