Walter Jenkins

Walter Leon Jenkins died in Madison, WI, November 29, 2018. He was 88. Walter was born September 29, 1930 in Havre, MT, to John and Enid Jenkins. He was the oldest of six siblings and the first member of his family to attend college. During the Korean War, he served in the Air Force as a photographer in Europe. When he returned to civilian life, he continued his studies earning his MBA from the University of Montana. While in graduate school, he met Loretta Hochhalter, and they were married January 31, 1959. Walter and Loretta moved to New York City, where Walter started his successful career as a financial manager on Wall Street. After Walter and Loretta started a family, they moved to Oakland, New Jersey and then to Montpelier, VT. In 1976, the family moved to Libertyville, where Walter took a position with Standard Oil in Chicago as a Senior Investment Manager, until his retirement in 2000. Walter and Loretta lived in Libertyville, IL until 2013, when they moved to Madison, WI to be closer to family.

Walter was an avid marathoner, running many marathons in Illinois and Wisconsin. He placed 5th in the 50-54 group in the Chicago Marathon in 1983. He loved fine cars, skiing, and watching all kinds of sports. Walter and Loretta were active members of the Libertyville Methodist church for many years. Walter enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his five grandchildren.

Walter is survived by his wife, Loretta, sons John and Michael, daughter Alicia, and his five younger siblings: Irene, Joan, Donna, Doug and Dave. Funeral Services will be held at the United Methodist Church of Libertyville, 429 Brainerd Ave, Libertyville at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 17, 2018. Walter will be laid to rest at Lakeside Cemetery in Libertyville. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the UMC Global Missionary Fund.

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434