Lyle "Bud" L. Jenks

Lyle “Bud” Lloyd Jenks, II of Greenville, Wisconsin passed away on Thursday, January 6, 2022, at the age of 74. Bud died peacefully with his beloved wife Sally and their children by his side. Bud was born in Lansing, Michigan on October 15, 1947, to father Lyle Lloyd Jenks, I,  and mother Alvena (Wagner) Jenks. Bud graduated from Menasha High School in 1965. He was drafted into military service in 1967, proudly serving the Army in Germany through 1969.

After a fateful blind date, four months of dating turned into 52 years of love as he united in marriage with Sally (Fermanich) Jenks in 1970. Bud’s family passed on the gift of faith to him through his baptism. He grew and relied upon this throughout his life, staying an active member of Shepherd of the Hills Church, studying The Word of God, and passing on the promise of Jesus’ resurrection to his family and friends. 

After retiring in 2012 following 30 years with Georgia Pacific, Bud transformed his long term passions into daily enjoyment. A Yooper at heart, he took his fond memories of hunting on the family farm in Engadine, Michigan, and translated them into researching homesteading and off the grid living. He turned his skills from working in the family marina shop and tinkering with cars into a knowledge of computers that rivaled those fifty years younger. Learning cooking recipes at the elbow of his mom and aunts, he used his always well-supplied pantry to keep family and friends happily well fed. Finally, Bud grew his endless love for his five children into the title of being “The World’s Best Grandpa”, keeping his four grandkids well stocked with not only sweet treats, but with the same wisdom and advice he shared with his children. Dad never sent a text to his kids, even a grocery list, without saying “Luv U, Dad”.

Bud was preceded in death by his father and mother Lyle and Alvena, and his father and mother-in-law, Victor and Hildegarde (Hooyman) Fermanich. He is survived by his wife Sally (Fermanich) Jenks; children Scott (Renee) Jenks, Rebecca Jenks, Katie (Steve) Zurawski, Emily Jenks, and Eric Jenks; grandchildren Lucas, Aubrey and Jacoby Zurawski, and Rose Jenks.

Family and friends may gather at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, N1615 Meadowview Dr., Greenville on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 beginning at 9:00am until 10:45am. A service will follow at 11:00am. Military Honors immediately following the service. Masks are encouraged.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Bud’s name to the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation at https://sp-foundation.org/get-involved/donate-here/