Richard D. Jenks

Richard Dale Jenks, 76, of Freeport, (formerly of Belvidere, IL) passed away surrounded by his family at Javon Bea Hospital, on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. He was born in Platteville, Wisconsin, the son of Dale and Doris (Rieser) Jenks. He married Karin Kretschmer, in 1969. He served in the U.S Army, stationed in Germany, where he met his sweetheart, Karin. He worked for Chrysler Assembly Plant, as a skilled tradesman, specializing in welding repair, retiring in 2001.
Richard was a Christian, and a member of the Hope Lutheran Church in Belvidere and later Immanuel Lutheran Church. He was a member of Belvidere American Legion. He was a sports enthusiast loving soccer, football, baseball, golf, and basketball. He was an avid Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan. He grew up in Platteville, the son of a farmer. He was a generous, sweet, caring and compassionate man, who selflessly loved his family more than anything wanting only happiness for his wife, kids, grandkids and great grandkids. In short, dad was the greatest man we’ve ever known, and he will be sorely missed.
He is survived by his wife, Karin; children, Jenny (Mark) Johnson, Diana (Ken) Bliss-Seas, and Rick (Beth) Jenks; grandchildren, Derrik (Jessica) Johnson, Adam Johnson, Doug (Melissa) Traceski, Bryan (Vonya) Jenks, and Kevin Jenks; great grandchildren, Kayleigh, Kendyl, Brock, and Vivianna; and brother-in-law, Bernard Richter. He is predeceased by his parents, and sister, Kay Richter.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the medical staff who took excellent care of Richard at FHN in Freeport, and Javon Bea in Rockford.
A memorial service will take place on Friday, June 17, 2022, at 6:00 pm, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108. Military honors will take place after the service. A public visitation will take place prior to the service, starting at 4:00, until time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jenks family. Please share memories and condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.