Ronald J. Jenkins

Ronald J. Jenkins was born on April 11, 1929, the 8th of 12 children of Charles and Mary Edna (Mansfield) Jenkins, “Charlie and May” in Cherokee, Iowa. Ronnie grew up in a lively, fun-loving, warm family. He was a kind soul helping anyone that needed help, no questions asked.

Ronnie grew up in Cherokee and was in college when he was called to serve in the US Army after World War II, later being recalled for the Korean War. Coming home, he worked in the grocery industry with his brothers … and did not find time to meet that special girl to share his life. Instead, he was the son that took care of Mom and Dad. He moved to Redwood Falls, Minnesota, to start a grocery business with his brothers Bob, John “Ike”, Nick, Joe and Phil. They founded the Jenkins Markets first in Minnesota, and then in California. Later, he worked with good friend Ron Day, as Ron started his own meat packing business.

Ronnie was a member of the American Legion for 51 years. He participated in many activities with the Legion both in Minnesota and California including trips to Las Vegas and cruises which he thoroughly enjoyed. His last Legion Post was # 328 in Norco, CA, near his vacation home in Glen Ivy Recreational Park.

Ronnie and Ike, the two bachelor brothers, came to California in the mid-1950s, settling in Burbank. The rest of the brothers, their families and their parents came in 1959, first to the Burbank area but soon to the mushrooming area of Orange County where they established their homes. Ron and Ike shared their home on St. John Circle with their Mom and Dad, May and Charlie Jenkins. The grandchildren, nieces and nephews delighted in the fact that there were cows just over the backyard fence. Soon, however, brick walls went up and cows gave way to other families moving into the neighborhood. Life settled into a nice, quiet routine; Mom kept the house and Dad tried to stay out of her way – and lots of family and friends visited often. Ron, his brother John, and later sister Margaret, took care of their parents until their passing in 1966 and 1976 respectively.

About 20 years ago, Ronnie bought a trailer and a couple of lots at Glen Ivy Recreational Park where he enjoyed vacationing. He made great friends and the drinks were always on the house when Ronnie arrived. Ronnie took several trips with his Glen Ivy friends and Iowa buddies organized by his lifelong friend and ringleader, Bud Perrin. They camped throughout the west focusing on Montana where they loved the open plains and big blue skies. They enjoyed Hawaii each February, soaking up the local culture and color. Ronnie was also known to put a few pennies in the Las Vegas slots.

After retirement Ronnie brought “Hawkeye”, his first dog, home from an Iowa farm and the two shared a wonderful life. Ron was sad upon Hawkeye’s passing. When camping in Montana one summer, some other campers thought Ronnie was so wonderful with their wacky dog, they decided that the dog would be a perfect companion for Ronnie – and tied Darvey’s leash to Ronnie’s van. Darvey was a dog of a different stripe – he took on any dog that came near him. Ouch! He was good for Ronnie though, and later Phil, as they got out for walks daily When Ronnie began losing his memory, Darvey sensed something was wrong and acted up, the remains of which are still evident. He was a great comfort to Ronnie in his declining health – just sitting by Ronnie’s bed – or on it – enjoying Ronnie’s warm hand petting him!

Thanksgiving was a special time for the Jenkins Family where we gathered for 40 years at the Shureen home in Lancaster for many days of cooking, cleaning, eating, chatting, and bridge playing! Ronnie was the dishwasher! He loved the Fourth of July at the Kotzman’s with the Jenkins Clan bringing his Mother and siblings to the party. Ronnie also enjoyed the Jenkins-Rulon picnics – that had to be held in a park there were so many cousins! Fun was always had at Jenkins and Rulon events. Ronnie loved the Jenkins families coming over to St. John Circle – always ready with a small gift or a few dollars for the kids. Ronnie was a faithful member of the family’s church, attending Mass each Sunday, dropping his donation in the basket and then, as he left St. Ireanus, giving what he had left to directly to Fr. Moses to help out others in need. He was also known to donate to any charity that sent him a letter – was that ever a pain to disentangle him from!

In the past 3 years or so, Ron became less interested in traveling and began worrying about his ability to remember things – first little things like not remembering why he went to the store – then not remembering how to get home after shopping. The family noticed his decline but did not act until October 2008. One day Ronnie announced that he got hundreds of $100 bills from the bank using his ATM card – which he had no idea how to use. Little did we know until later in the week that he gave most of the money in his bank account to a stranger? Whoops! After that, Ronnie easily gave up managing his affairs – and the gardener came back after a four month absence when he started to get paid again! Brother Phil gently cared for Ronnie the rest of his life – what a Godsend Phil was! Ron was not an easy patient – constantly demanding gum and cookies and having choice words when he did not get them!

Ronnie was hospitalized in October 2010, coming home with Hospice who gently eased his last several weeks. Ronnie passed away quietly surrounded by his brothers Phil and Joe on January 6, 2011. Ron was a kind and loving son, brother, uncle and friend to many that knew him. He loved his family and friends, his Catholic faith and his church, St. Ireanus, where we are today.

On a personal note, I believe funerals are for the living, not the loved one that passed on. This will be the last time Ronnie is spoken of in a public forum like this, and it is good for us to share our recollections of Ronnie – and to know how much he loved each and every person he became friends with!

Ronnie, we are all better falling under your kind spell. You did not have children of your own but you were the best Uncle ever! We thank you for being in our lives and please know that we will miss you all the days of our lives.

May you rest in peace in God’s hands and watch over us. If possible, could you please put in a good word for the Dodgers for 2011 – it would be much appreciated. They need prayers – or something!

We love you! Good bye and farewell until we meet again, your Family and Friends

Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria del Angel Pierce Brothers Anaheim Mortuary, Anaheim, CA.