Russell Joseph Jenkins

Russell Joseph Jenkins

February 06, 1948 - December 26, 2024

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Obituary

MCFARLAND - Russell Joseph “Russ” Jenkins, age 76, of McFarland, passed away on December 26, 2024, at Brookdale Senior Living in Sun Prairie, Wis.


Russ was born on February 6, 1948, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Dodgeville, Wis., the son of Edgar R. and Elma A. (Richter) Jenkins. He grew up in Highland, Wis., and was a 1966 graduate of Highland High School. He married the love of his life, Bonnie Ann Benson, on November 15, 1969, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Montfort, Wis.


Russ honorably served his country in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Vietnam from June 1968 to August 1969. He was with the 5th Battalion, 2nd Artillery unit as a Sergeant E5 with the Dusters. To this day, he remained close with his Army family, Tim, John, Jon and Jim.


Russ was an insulator and foreman for City Wide Insulation in Madison for nearly 20 years. He said he 'retired' from there and went to work for the Post Office in Verona where he was a mail carrier on route 7 for 24 years. He developed many long-lasting friendships with customers, patrons and their dogs throughout his career.


Russ was a man of service. He was a member of the American Legion Post 534 in McFarland, the VFW 7591 in Madison, Hope Rod and Gun Club in McFarland, and Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Monona. He held various leadership roles within these organizations and helped out with many projects over the years. He volunteered with the Coalition for the Elderly and could always be relied upon to help out a neighbor or anyone in need.


Russ is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Bonnie; son, Craig Jenkins (Kate) of Montfort, Wis., and grandchildren, Madison (Chris), Lauren (Ben) and Josie; daughter, Lori Jenkins (Doug Tiedt) of Oregon, and grandchildren, Alex, Anna, and Gracie. He is also survived by his siblings, Carlos Jenkins, Marilyn (Roger) Neuhoff, Mary Pyle, Fritz Jenkins and Doug Jenkins; sister-in-law, Connie Gust; brother and sister-in-law, David and Margaret Benson; along with many nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins and countless friends.


He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother and sister-in-law, Gordon and Beverly Jenkins; sister and brother-in-law, Rita Mae and Kenric Schmitz; brother-in-law, Jerry Gust; and sister-in-law, Judy Jenkins.


Russ enjoyed fishing the local lakes, deer hunting in the 'swamp' with Craig and Tom, and BS'ing with the boys at deer camp. He treasured the time with his Army family and trips to Washington D.C. and Branson, Mo. Russ especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in their activities.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025. Full military honors will follow the Mass. A luncheon will follow military honors at VFW POST 7591, 301 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, on Saturday. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025, with Pass and Review at 6 p.m. A private inurnment will take place at the mausoleum at Roselawn Memorial Park.


In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Agrace HospiceCare (agrace.org), Brookdale Senior Living (brookdale.com), American Legion Post 534, 4911 Burma Road, Mc Farland, WI 53558, VFW Post 7591 (vfwpost7591.org), Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Endowment Fund (ihmparish.com), or a charity of your choice.


The family wishes to extend sincere appreciation for the caregivers at Brookdale Senior Living in Sun Prairie, Agrace HospiceCare, Meriter Hospital, and Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital for the compassionate care they gave to Russ. A very special thank you to Tom and Laurie Downs who were with Russ and the family every step of the way. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420


Events

03
Visitation
Fri Jan 3, 2025 @ 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
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04
Mass of Christian Burial
Sat Jan 4, 2025 @ 11:00 AM - 11:40 AM CDT
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church • 5101 Schofield Street, Monona, WI 53716
Get Directions
04
Military Honors
Sat Jan 4, 2025 @ 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church • 5101 Schofield Street, Monona, WI 53716
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04
Luncheon After Service
Sat Jan 4, 2025 @ 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
VFW Post 7591 • 301 Cottage Grove Rd., Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions

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Russell
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William Larson
Other •
Our deepest condolences to Bonnie and the family of Russ, he was a great friend and really a great all around person to be around. He along with Tom Downs helped my wife Laura and I move up to far Northern Wisconsin back in 2013 for which we are forever grateful. Russ was always good for a laugh at the Legion Post and great to talk to. He will be greatly missed! Rest easy Russ!!! Our Love to Bonnie and all of the Family, Bill and Laura Larson
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Travis
Other •
Like many memories that I have of Uncle Russ, this starts out in similar fashion..."we were out fishing and then..!" Uncle Russ, Scott, and I were out fishing on a lake and we were especially successful that day, catching Bluegill at a good rate. At this point of the trip, we each had two rods out, leaving the boat a little crowded. Well, in almost simultaneous fashion, all three of us hooked into a fish at the same time! In the commotion of every thing, one of my poles was catapulted out of the boat and into the lake. As soon as we reeled our fish in, we attempted to catch the pole, now in the water, with deep dive baits and the like. With no luck and after several minutes, Uncle Russ gave me the nod, as it was time to pull anchor and head back in to shore. As we were pulling anchor, one of us noticed the line of the pole and the pole on the anchor. Uncle Russ immediately yelled "grab it, grab it"! Scott was able to get the pole in and off we went, with our fish and all our poles. After that incident, Uncle Russ bought each of us pipe insulation material to strap to our poles so they would float if something similar happened again. Uncle Russ was always very generous to my mom, brothers and me. He was a great example and I am a better person because of him. I truly appreciate the love he showed toward us over the years. I pray Aunt Bonnie, Craig, Lori and the family will be comforted during this time. With love, Travis
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Audrey Jones
Other •
I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to Bonnie and family. Over the past 25 years, I've had the pleasure of knowing Russ as my neighbor. I always appreciated his friendly waves and the interesting conversations on our street on a warm day. His smile is etched in my mind and he will be dearly missed in my heart. Sincerely, Audrey Jones.
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Nathan Weier Weier
Other •
I remember my first time meeting Russ. He was happy to see a younger Veteran join our American Legion in McFarland. He welcomed me with open arms. He grew up in Highland, Wisconsin not far from my hometown of Dodgeville. I remember a few years later we were holding elections for officers for the Legion and he pointed to me and then nominated me to be a Sergeant of Arms. He knew us younger Veterans would carry the torch. Years later when I became the commander he was always there, mentoring me, encouraging me to do great things. Russ was so involved in many community organizations. He was truly an inspiration to all of us. I am not God, but Russ would be the top of my list as angel! Rest in peace Sir! 🫡
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Alan L Asche
Other •
We lost a "Good One!" Not only a Great Guy, but a Wonderful Human Being!! My sincerest condolences to family and friends. He will be Greatly Missed! Al Asche
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Sharon (Kleist) Selleck Lehman
Other •
Sharon (Kleist) Selleck Lehman Russ was a fellow Highland High School Classmate Graduate of 1966. I got to know Russ after he graduated from the 8 th Grade parochial school and joined Highland High School as we had classes together. I remember Russ for his ever present smile and twinkle in his eye. He was always kind and respectful of others. We were second cousins as his mother Elma and my Dad Clayton Kleist were cousins on the Richter side. More recently we enjoyed connecting with Russ and Bonnie at the Class of 1966 Homecoming gatherings. Russ may you rest in peace. Sincere condolences to you Bonnie and the family.

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