David Jenkins

David P. Jenkins, age 72, of Middleton, WI passed away on Sunday, January 9, 2022 at his home. He was born February 3, 1949, in Seymour, WI, the son of Charles Jenkins and Marjorie Prey. He married Mary Pertzborn on June 7, 1986 in Middleton.

David graduated as class valedictorian from Seymour High School in 1967. His school years included activities that reflect his love of the environment. He attended Trees for Tomorrow conservation camp and was a member of 4H. He participated in student council, covered sports for the high school newspaper, and won creative writing awards. After his junior year, David was chosen to attend the summer Journalism Institute at Northwestern University. He also attended Badger Boys State and was on the debate team. He was a member of the National Honor Society.

Dave attended the University of Wisconsin where he studied political science and economics. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1971. While at UW, he was a member of the Board of Directors of The Daily Cardinal and spent his summers working as a reporter for the Appleton Post Crescent. After receiving his BS, David attended Yale Law School, graduating in 1974 with a Juris Doctorate degree.

David began his legal career at Shellow & Shellow in Milwaukee, and then worked for the State of Wisconsin, Department of Workforce Development, Unemployment Insurance as both a department attorney and Administrative Law Judge until his retirement.

David loved to travel. His favorite destinations were in the West, where he would often backpack and hike. His travels always followed the routes of the railroads. He loved the mountains and national parks. He supported many environmental causes and volunteered many hours in support of conservation.  He enjoyed gardening, model railroading, photography, sudoku, cryptaquote, and crossword puzzles. He always enjoyed a good game of cards or backgammon.

Survivors include his loving wife, Mary; his sister, Kathryn of NYC, NY; his aunt, Mary Buhler of Milwaukee; and cousins, Sharon Hinrichs, Carol Dwyer, Will Runnoe, Cindy Vianas, Mike Olson, Julie Buhler, and Heidi Sekowski.

He is further survived by his sisters-in-law, JoAnn (Laverne) Theis of Verona, Jean Kaminski of Fairborn, Ohio, Betty (Gary) Frey, and Judy (Dean) Kasten of Prairie du Sac. David also has nine nieces and nephews, Becky (Noel) Lambert, Scott (Marcy) Theis of Verona, Troy Theis (Jason Rush) of Madison, Ryan (Jenny) Theis of Muskego, Tara (Rick) Skurulsky of Denver, CO, Jennifer (Foster) Reif of Ohio, Laila (Court) Drescher, Shannon (Mike) Johnson of Prairie du Sac, and Kyle (Krista) Kasten of Evansville; and 22 great-nieces and great-nephews.

David is preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, Robert and Florentina (Ballweg) Pertzborn.

A Celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, June 22 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Lussier Family Heritage Center, 3101 Lake Farm Rd, Madison, WI. A Memorial Service will be held at 5:00p.m.

Memorials can be made in David’s name to any of the numerous agencies he supported, including Aldo Leopoldo Foundation, Friends of Pheasant Branch, Friends of Arboretum, Friends of Festge, Pleasant Valley Conservancy, Sierra Club, Nature Conservancy, or an agency of your choice.

I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. David, I will love you forever. --Mary

Winn-Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee

(608) 849-4513