Thelma “Eileen” (Schwenker) Jenkins

Thelma “Eileen” Jenkins, age 92 of Grand Haven, passed away on Monday, May 13, 2024, at Harbor Hospice Poppen Residence. She was born on May 3, 1932, in Shelbyville, IL, to the late Roy and Phoebe (Ruff) Schwenker.

Eileen grew up and graduated from high school in Shelbyville. She married Robert “Bob” William Jenkins on September 16, 1951, in Fitchburg, MA. He preceded her in death on April 26, 2015, after 63 years of happy marriage.

While Bob was in the US Marines Corp., the family traveled to different areas to accommodate his years of active duty. They relocated to Grand Haven in 1971 to spend their retirement years. Eileen was a member of St. Patrick – St. Anthony Catholic Parish for nine years, a member of the Eastern Star #225, and member of the American Legion Post #0081 Auxiliary. In their younger years, she and Bob loved to go camping and spend time outdoors, tending to their garden. Eileen was part of the Good Samaritan’s Club and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Eileen will be lovingly remembered and missed by her daughter, Diana Jenkins of Grand Haven; daughter-in-law, Marsha Jenkins of Grand Haven; grandsons, Matthew (Kris) Jenkins and Adam (Jess) Jenkins; five great-grandchildren: Natalie, Nora, Alex, Weston, and Kennedy; sister-in-law, Virginia (Bill) Kirksey; brother-in-law, Larry King; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Bob, she was also preceded in death by their son, Tom Jenkins; four sisters: Marie (Don) Stewardson, Jeanette (Bill) Elben, Shirley (Herb) Doloway, and Wanda King; brother, Roy Schwenker; and brother-in-law, Fritz Jenkins.

The Memorial Mass for Eileen will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024, at St. Patrick – St. Anthony Catholic Parish with Fr. Dan Schumaker officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 16th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Interment will be at Spring Lake Township Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Patrick – St. Anthony Catholic Parish or Harbor Hospice: Leila and Cyrus Poppen House Residence.

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