Ernest Jenkins

Ernest Jenkins, 84, of Springfield, died Monday, Nov. 6, 2017, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester.

Funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, at St. Johns Lutheran Church with Pastor Julie Smith officiating.  Interment was in the Springfield City Cemetery with military honors by John Watson Post 257 American Legion. 

Ernest James Jenkins was born April 5, 1933, in Springfield, Brown County, Minnesota, to James and Gertrude (Meine) Jenkins. He served with the U.S. Army from 1956-58 during the Korean War. Ernest was united in marriage to Patricia Floyd on Feb. 21, 1959, in Glenwood. In 1960, the couple moved to the Springfield area where Ernest farmed, raised Holsteins and pigs, helped Les Krueger, and later worked at Ochs Brick & Tile Co. before retirement. He was a member of Colburn American Legion Post #286. He  enjoyed fishing, playing cards, walking, and gardening, especially raising kolrabi.

He is survived by his children, Lee (Jody) Jenkins of Salem, Utah, James (Pearl) Jenkins of Russell, Dan Jenkins of Mankato, Susan (Dale) Stimpert of Sleepy Eye, Ernie (Tina) Jenkins of Raymond, Sue (J.R.) Flickenger of Kandiyohi, Mary (Dean) Lindsay of Marshall, and Mae Jenkins of Marshall; 18 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; brother, David Jenkins; and sister, Joan Melchert. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Gertrude; stepdad, Don Wilhite; wife, Patricia, in 1997; granddaughter, Jenny; grandsons, Christopher, Cody, and Dustin; brothers, James, Lester, Leonard, and Steven; and sister, Jane.

Sturm Funeral Home in Springfield assisted the family with funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.