Jerry J. Jenkins, 58, of Newfolden, MN died on Monday, July 12, 2010 near Newfolden in a automobile accident.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Friday, July 16, 2010 at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Sheila Michaels and Rev. Randy Nelson officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls.

Visitation will be from 5-8 PM, Thursday, July 15, 2010 at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Friday.

Jerry Jay Jenkins was born on April 5, 1952 in Kenmare, ND, the second son of Robert John and Violet Evangeline (Nelson) Jenkins. He was baptized in Kenmare, ND and confirmed at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. Jerry moved to Thief River Falls with his family when he was four years old. He attended Knox Elementary and Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls, a member of the class of 1970.

He was united in marriage to Dana Lynn Vettleson on July 14, 1973 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN. They made their home in Thief River Falls. He began working for the Soo Line Railroad in 1972 as a brakeman and conductor. He worked for the Amtrak from 1987 to 1988 including Milwaukee, WI; St. Cloud, MN; and Chicago, IL; his co-workers called him Boss. They returned to Thief River Falls and Jerry returned to work for the Soo Line/CP Railroad. In 1993 Jerry and Dana moved to his grandparents farm south of Newfolden. For four years, as a fundraiser for the food shelf, Jerry organized and coordinated the Holiday Train. He retired in October of 2008.

Jerry never met a stranger. He was an affectionate, generous person and had the biggest hugs for all. Jerry loved hunting, shooting, and trapping around his farm and had a taste for fine liquor, cologne and cigars. He and his brother Mark and their children hunted together for many years, passing down the hunting stories of the past and making many new ones each year. A sense of humor and laughter always filled the air when Jerry was nearby. Most recently, he loved spending time with his family and friends at On Golden Pond Campground near Erskine. Jerrys grandchildren meant the world to him and he loved having them around and attending their events. Before his death, he had left the soccer fields in Thief River Falls after watching his grandson Quincys soccer games. Jerry and his Bear , Dana have grown large gardens together for many years. Jerry just finished a batch of jelly for his grandchildren. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Newfolden. He was a proud member of the National Rifle Association.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Dana, of Newfolden, MN; three children, Robyn (Duane) Morey of Thief River Falls, MN, Cory (Lorena) Jenkins of Augusta, GA, Brock Jenkins, of Cloquet, MN, 3 grandchildren: Aaron Carlson, Quincy Morey, Collin Morey, brother and best friend, Mark (Kathi) Jenkins of Thief River Falls, MN, his father in law Myrl Vettleson, of Crookston, MN, a sister in law, Ilene Bergerson of Thief River Falls, MN, and a brother in law, Mark (Anita) Vettleson of Brooks, MN, several nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and his girls , Sami & Katie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, mother in law Bernice Vettleson, and niece Kristen Jenkins.
SPECIAL MUSIC: Greg Dally & Paula Adamson
SELECTIONS:
SOLOIST: Wendy Blazejeweski
SELECTIONS:
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS:
PALLBEARERS: Wade Bergerson, Kevin Jenkins, Derick Vettleson, Nick Vettleson, Andrew Vettleson, Erika Akason, Lindsay Vettleson, Troy Hjelle
HONORARY PALLBEARERS: All of Jerrys Railroad Friends and his nieces and nephews