Larry Jenkins

Larry Jenkins, 70, of St. Joseph, passed away quietly at his home Tuesday, March 10, 2009 with his loving family and dear friend by his side. Larry was born May 17, 1938 in Dowagiac, MI to Sidney and Jessie Jenkins. He spent all of his early life in Dowagiac and throughout the years played many sports especially enjoying football and basketball. Larry graduated from Dowagiac High School in 1956 and later became a member of the United States Army National Guard. On June 6, 1964 Larry and Sandra Mattner were married at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Dowagiac. Shortly after, he was hired by Whirlpool Corporation in the IT department as a Computer Scheduler. He retired from Whirlpool after 30 years and was most recently employed part-time by Horizon Bank in St. Joseph as a bank courier. Larry truly enjoyed his job and the friendships he developed during this time. Larry’s interests were many and he particularly loved fishing on Lake Michigan. He was an avid sports fan and could always be heard cheering for his beloved Fightin’ Irish. Larry especially cherished the time he spent with his family and friends and was happiest being actively involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Sandra, of 45 years, Larry is survived by his two daughters, Laurie Jenkins-Rivette of Stevensville and Lisa Jenkins of San Ramon, CA, as well as two grandchildren Lauren Rivette and Michael (Mikey) Rivette who were the lights of his life. Larry was truly a loving husband, father, and grandfather and was always in attendance at any of the events in which his children and grandchildren were involved. He is also survived by his sister Mildred Popp of Tucson, AZ and brother Donald Jenkins of Union, SC, as well as many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents. The family is receiving visitors on Sunday, March 15, 2009 from 2:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. at Starks and Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road in St. Joseph. Memorial services will be held at the funeral home on Monday, March 16, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. presided by Father Rick Swanson of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Dowagiac. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to the loving care givers of Hospice at Home. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Larry is loved by so many and will truly be missed.