Richard S. Jenks

Richard S. Jenks, of Baraboo, passed away surrounded by his family, on Thursday, April 11, 2019 at SSM Hospice House, at the age of 89. Richard was born on January 26, 1930 in Baraboo to Walter T. and Anne (Hadfield) Jenks. He attended Baraboo schools and graduated from Baraboo Sr. High School in 1947.He then attended University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating from their law school in 1953. He was a member of the Law Review. After graduation, he immediately left for a 2 year tour in the Army Military Police at Fort Crowder, MO, where he served as a defense attorney for courts martial.He returned to Baraboo in 1955 and formed a partnership with his father, Jenks and Jenks, with offices above the First National Bank. Richard remained in the Army Reserves, during which time he taught Military Law at University of Wisconsin. On August 31, 1985 he was united in marriage to Linda Larson in Middleton.Jenks and Jenks formed a new firm with Robert Greenhalgh and John Dithmar, with offices above the Baraboo National Bank. Greenhalgh, Jenks, and Dithmar partnered until 1988, when Richard joined Clyde Cross, Karen and Jerome Mercer and Wayne Maffei. Cross, Jenks, Mercer, and Maffei has offices on 3rd Ave., in the remodeled former Moeller Wagon shop. They built circus wagons for circuses, including the Ringling Brothers, since Henry and Corwin Moeller were first cousins to the Ringlings and Gollmars.Richard practiced law with this firm for 22 years, focusing on wills, probate, estate planning, real estate, and income tax preparation. He wanted to help people, especially the elderly and his clientele often spanned from three generations.Richard celebrated 50 years of practicing law in 2003, retiring in 2010. During his years as an attorney, he was President of United Way, Secretary of the Baraboo Park Commission, Board Member of the Sauk County Historical Society, and Tri-County Counseling Centers, Master of the Masonic Lodge in 1966, President of Baraboo Kiwanis in 1969, and President of the Sauk County Bar in 1980.He was very active in the First United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday school, serving on the Board of Trustees and also the Wisconsin Conference of the UMC, with 4 years as President. He served for 19 years on the Board of Devils Lake Concession Corporation and on the Breakers Condo Association, Board of Directors in Orange Beach, AL for 6 years, including 3 years as President and was instrumental in rebuilding the Breakers after it was severely damaged by Hurricane Ivan.Survivors include his loving wife, Linda Jenks; two sons, Tom (Sue) Jenks, Peter (Marianne) Jenks; four step-children, David (Milena) Larson, Mark Larson, Kristin (Gerry) Rich, Scott (Renee) Larson; 15 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Jesse Fuchiek.A Funeral Service will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Baraboo with Pastor Karen Hofstad officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Redlin Funeral Home and at church on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery where military rites will be conducted.Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Baraboo or the Alzheimer's Association.