William F. Jenkins

William F. Jenkins, 88, a resident of Lake Villa since 1962, passed away peacefully at home Thursday, December 30, 2021.  He was born May 8, 1933, in Libertyville, to the late William F. and Grace (nee Taylor) Jenkins.

Bill grew up in Ivanhoe and regularly visited his hometown.  He was a veteran of the Korean War and served in the Marines from 1953 until his honorable discharge in 1956.  He went on to have a 50-year career as an operating engineer for International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150—earning the status of Gold Card Member.  Bill enjoyed airplanes and attending air shows, loved people, and made friends anywhere he visited or traveled to.

Above all, Bill was a very positive person always seeing the good in people or situations.  Known for his quote, “everyday is a good day, and tomorrow will be even better,” his positivity was contagious.

Bill is survived by his children, Cindy (Jim) Vorhies of Craig, CO, Jeff (Chris Gillihan) Jenkins of Ingelside, and Lori (Mike) Nyre of Antioch; daughter-in-law, Cathy Jenkins of Cape Coral, FL; grandchildren, Nicole (Brian) Hickory, Zachary Vorhies, Danyelle (Ryan) Callahan, Allyson and Courtney Jenkins, Stephanie, Michael, and Alan Nyre, Cody and Jazmyn Jenkins, Julia (Jarvis) Cobb, and Maggie, Laura, and Katie Gillihan; great-grandchildren, Stella, Eden, Paige, Sloan, Sean, Logan, Isaiah, Layla, Sophia, and Adaline; and sister, Betty Davis of Pekin.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia “Ginger” (nee Trommer) on October 21, 2010; son, Todd Jenkins; and siblings, Dolores, Helen, and Don.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be announced for a future date.  Private inurnment, with Marines Honors, will be in Highland Memorial Park, Libertyville.

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