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Gerald “Jerry” A. Jenkins

obit template2018-11-29T12:10:12+00:00

Gerald "Jerry" A.
Jenkins

  • Visitation: Thursday, August 24, 2023 from 4 pm – 6 pm at Emanuel United Church of Christ (10627 W. Forest Home Ave. Hales Corners, WI)
  • Funeral Service: Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 6 pm at Emanuel United Church of Christ (10627 W. Forest Home Ave. Hales Corners, WI)

Gerald “Jerry” A. Jenkins

Passed away peacefully on Friday, August 18, 2023, at age 84. Loving brother of Erma Politoski. Devoted uncle to Margie (Greg) Willett and Troy (Michele) Politoski. Great uncle to Emma, Olivia, Jason, Jordann, and Joelle. Great-great uncle to Stella and Kasen. Also survived by other loving family members and dear friends.
Preceded in death by his parents, August and Mildred Jenkins, and his brother, Clayton Jenkins. 
He was raised in Pembine, Wisconsin. It was during his elementary years that he developed a love for music and eventually became a brilliant pianist. He would often play piano, while his sister Erma sang, at their parent’s tavern and entertainment hall. After high school, he moved to Milwaukee to attend UWM and graduated with a music major. 
He went on to teach music at Lake Mills High School for seven years and then for the Whitnall School District for 29 years. He also directed for many community choirs including the Lake Mills Moravian Church Choir for 50 years and the Hales Corners Community Chorus for 39 years. Jerry’s passion and dedication to teaching and directing was evident by the countless hours he spent preparing his musical arrangements. He had a profound impact on his students as well as the many community members he worked with. 
Jerry loved his family dearly and was a constant source of encouragement and support. He will be dearly missed by everyone who loved him. 
Visitation will take place on Thursday, August 24, 2023 from 4 pm – 6 pm with a funeral service to follow at 6 pm at Emanuel United Church of Christ (10627 W. Forest Home Ave. Hales Corners). Private burial will be held. 
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Whitnall School District music program, the Lake Mills Moravian Church music ministry, and the Hales Corners Community Chorus (care of Emanuel United Church of Christ). 

10 Comments

  1. Natalie Robarge (McGinnis) August 21, 2023 at 9:18 pm - Reply

    Mr. Jenkins was my choir director from 1978-1980. He truly was an Awesome Teacher with a Big Heart ♥️

  2. Gail Sonnemann August 21, 2023 at 11:13 pm - Reply

    Thank you Mr Jenkins for the fabulous introduction to musical theater standards.

  3. Charles Nailen August 22, 2023 at 5:11 am - Reply

    Will be sorrly missed. My choir director from ’80-’84. RiP Jerry

  4. Bonnie Blink August 22, 2023 at 7:29 am - Reply

    My choir director and piano teacher 1967-1970. One of the great musical influences of my life.

  5. Kathy Wendt August 22, 2023 at 7:31 am - Reply

    I will truly miss him. We had many special music collaborations with hand bells and choir at the LM Moravian church. He was such a great mentor to me as well.

  6. Jane Mathews August 22, 2023 at 8:56 am - Reply

    Jerry was a kindred spirit. I enjoyed being his “side-kick” in the Community Chorus and will think often of his laugh and his stories. He was an amazing musician with tremendous talent. I will miss him so.

  7. Antoinette Zdeb August 22, 2023 at 5:15 pm - Reply

    Jerry meant so much to my sister, Donna and myself. From Whitnall High School to the advent concerts at the Moravian Church to the Sacred Hearts Variety Show and everything in between. He was like family.

    He brought joy to so many. He will be deeply missed. Thank you, Jerry, for all you gave to us.

  8. Stephanie Harris (Roberts) August 23, 2023 at 11:50 am - Reply

    For four years Mr. Jenkins, you inspired the class of 89 Glee Club. We affectionately referred to ourselves, as “Jerry’s Kids.”

    I knew God did not give me the gift of song, but somehow you pulled a song out of me. You’ve introduced me to music that was certainly not played in my home. However, as an adult I am a huge fan of a wide variety of music and musicals. Thank you for opening my heart, eyes and ears to such artistry.

    Thank you for all you’ve done as my instructor, teacher and as a gentle soul. Take your rest and I thank God for putting you in my life.

  9. Lisa Brescia August 26, 2023 at 11:41 am - Reply

    Jerry was an angel in my life. He believed in my talent and gave me support and encouragement when I needed it most. If not for Jerry (at Whitnall High School), I don’t know that I would have been brave enough to pursue my Broadway dreams. He was so talented, kind, intelligent, giving (and forgiving), and is now my inspiration as a teacher. Sending much love to his family and friends. He was one of a kind. What a legacy.

  10. David Raasch August 28, 2023 at 4:37 pm - Reply

    From accompanying Whitnall High School students singing in the annual state music competitions and in WHS musicals, to Sacred Hearts Variety Show marathons, Gerry was the first and only true music teacher who could coax the best performances out of our fledgling ambitions. He was a tireless spark of energy who was always willing to help out musical productions, and he will always have a special place in our hearts for the love that he shared through his talents…we’ll miss him tremendously and rest in peace and harmony, Gerry!

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