Date of Birth:
Thursday, August 16, 1934
Date of Death:
Saturday, September 14, 2019
Age:
85 years old

Gerald E. “Jerry” Jenkins

Gerald E. “Jerry” Jenkins

Mr. Jenkins, 85, a lifelong resident of Rochester, MN passes away peacefully surrounded by family at Seasons Hospice Home on Saturday, September 14, 2019.

Jerry was born on August 16, 1934 in Rochester, MN, to Fred and Pearl (Schneider) Jenkins. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1952. On September 15, 1957, he married Janice (Howes) at the Christ United Methodist Church in Rochester; she later died on March 29, 2003.

Jerry graduated December 5, 1957 from the radio and relay and carrier operation course at the Army’s South eastern signal school at Fort Gordon, GA. He had basic training at Fort Carson, CO. When Jerry was young he worked for Whitings flowers until high school and then went to work for Marigold Foods in the freezer which he worked at when going to college. He worked for Dayton’s Dept. Store selling women’s shoes, and also painted for Brink Solberg for a time. He worked in Environmental Services at Mayo Clinic from 1965 to 1995 when he retired.

In 1947, Jerry joined Boy Scout Troop 89, Northrop School. He received his Eagle Scout rank in 1950 along with 34 other merit badges. He was assistant Scout Master, Troop 88, from 1968-1977. Jerry was a member of Hiawatha District Committee, Camping Committee, Member of the Silver Fox Patrol, Vigil member order of the Arrow, and was recipient of the Silver Beaver in 2000. For many years, Jerry was Assistant Ranger at the Gamehaven Scout Reservation. The barn at Gamehaven Scout Reservation was named “Jerry’s Barn” out of appreciation for his years of dedication to the Boy Scouts. Jerry was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Zumbro Aerie 2228 for 49 years.

In Jerry’s earlier years, he enjoyed stock car racing, gardening, fishing, drawing, being outdoors, attending Rochester Mustang hockey games with his brother Bob, and listening to West Coast Jazz of Stan Kenton. In Jerry’s later years, he enjoyed bird watching, attending classic car shows at the Rochester Eagles Club, watching old movies, and visiting with neighbors.

Jerry is survived by three daughters: Lisa (Dan) Sund, of Rochester; Shana Jenkins of Mankato; Terri (Scott Reineke) Jenkins-Pike of Rochester; and one son, Scott Jenkins of Chicago, IL; 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, his brother Robert (Ardis) Jenkins of Rochester and a sister Jeanne (Ted) Paulios of Rochester. He was preceded in death by his wife Janice and his parents.

The funeral for Gerald E. “Jerry” Jenkins will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 21, 2019 at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home.  There will be a private family burial in the Marion Cemetery in Marion, Minnesota.  Visitation will be held one half hour prior to the service on Saturday at the River Park Chapel starting at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family of Gerald E. Jenkins.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Mayo Clinic Palliative Care and Season’s Hospice for the special care given to our Dad.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com