Jenkins, Russell J.

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, Brookdale Senior Living, American Legion Post 534, VFW Post 7591, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Endowment Fund, 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