SPARTA - Ronald R. Jenkins passed away, at the age of 78, on September 30, 2025 at Serenity House in Tomah, WI; after a lengthy battle with MDS/AML Leukemia. He was born October 3, 1946, in Sparta, to Lauren (Bill) and Juanita (Dottie) Jenkins.
He attended Jenkins Valley School from first through eighth grade, and graduated from Sparta High School in 1964. He attended UW-River Falls and graduated in 1968. He taught Small Engines and Power Mechanics at Sparta Area Schools from 1968, until his retirement in 2001. He worked at Brennan Industries, a division of Mathews, Inc. from 2002 until 2008, making traditional bows. He worked at Mathews Inc, in Maintenance from 2008 until 2011, when he retired again.
He married Diane Jandt on August 3, 1968, in Cataract, WI. They had two children, Scott and Amy. Ron enjoyed hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling with his son, Scott, and grandson, Sheldon. He spent as much time as he could at the cabin in Loretta, WI; which he owned from 1996 until 2013. He was on the Sparta Rural Fire Department, as a Volunteer, for over 25 years. He also belonged to the Sparta Lions Club for many years.
Ron is survived by his wife of 57 years, Diane; two children, Scott (Dana) of Sparta, and Amy (Tate Barwald) of Tomah; grandson, Sheldon (Mirissa) of Sparta; and great-granddaughter, Layla Mae Jenkins, who brightened his spirits until his passing.
A Funeral service was held at 12 p.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Chaplain Priscilla Hemmersbach officiating. Burial was in Mt. Hope Cemetery, following the service.
A Visitation was held from 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Thursday, at the funeral home.
The family extends sincere thanks to the many friends that he made at Tomah Health Infusion, over the past 4 ½ years; and for the wonderful care he received at Serenity House, in Tomah.
In lieu of flowers, memorials were offered to Serenity House, Tomah, Tomah Health Infusion, or Sparta Fire Dept. Online condolences were offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, assisted the family with funeral arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
