Roger Jenkins

     Reverend Roger Scott Jenkins Sr., 75, of South Range passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at the Bayside Village Nursing Home in L’Anse where he had been a resident patient since July.  Roger was born on March 11, 1948, in Hancock, MI to Samuel Henry Jenkins and Edith Carol (Rickard) Jenkins.  He was raised in Houghton and attended Houghton High School.

On April 13, 1968, Roger was united in marriage to June Luoma.  The couple resided and raised their 5 children in Painesdale.

Roger worked many odd jobs before spending numerous years working at the White Pine Copper Mine until the mine closed.  In the early 90’s Roger earned a degree in Chemical Dependency from Soumi College and after graduation, Roger worked for many years helping people become sober and stay clean of drugs and alcohol.  In 1992 Roger received his calling to spread God’s word and graduated from the inter-Lutheran Theological Seminary in 1996.  After graduation from the Seminary, Roger moved his family to St. Paul, MN, to continue his mission of God’s love to the homeless.  After retirement, Roger and June returned to their roots in the UP and resided in South Range.

Roger is survived by his children: Roger (Dawn) Jenkins of Valrico, Florida, Sam (JoLeen) Jenkins of Atlantic Mine, Wayne (Cheryl) Jenkins of Pine City, MN, Spencer (Carrie) Jenkins of Houghton, Amanda (Ted) Jenkins-Buegal of West St. Paul, MN, His 15 grandchildren- Chelsy (Jake), Zack (Kara), Matt (Desi), Isaac (Lindsay), Brad, Emma (Tanner), Alex (Elisia), Calab, Calvin, Kricia, Wyatt, Kade, Brodi, Dax, and Bristol.  His 7 great grandchildren-Riley, Ellie, Nora, Syanna, Laylah, Jaylee & Hayden.  His and mom’s furry companion Freeway.

Along with special family members: brother-in-law Fred (Bev) Luoma, Jackie Brandt, Lenny Luoma, Ken (Jess) Luoma. Numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents, his wife, June Jenkins of 51 years, father-in-law Pete Luoma, Mother-in-law: Elise Luoma, his brother Harlow Gougon, sister-in-law: Kathy Luoma and brother-in-law: James Brandt.

Roger was an active member of the Range Apostolic Lutheran Church, Dawn of the Day Ministry, and numerous other ministry committees over the years.  He enjoyed reading, watching planes, trains, and boats, woodworking, car racing, spending time with all his family and most importantly spreading God’s word and sharing his faith.

The family would like to send a special thanks to all the staff and nurses at the Bayside Village Nursing Home, At Home Companions and UPCAP for the amazing care he received from them all.  You all hold a special place in our hearts and his.

A memorial service for Roger will be held 11:00 am Monday, January 15, 2024, at the Range Apostolic Lutheran Church with Pastor Ernest Bylkas to officiate.  Spring Burial will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery.

Friends may call on Monday, January 15, 2024, from 9:00 am until the time of services at the church.

To view Roger’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Mt. View Chapel of South Range has been assisting the family with the arrangements.