Robert John Jenkel was born July 31, 1969 in Appleton, WI. Robert, aka Buckwheat, Buck, Rob and Robbie went to his eternal home on Saturday, July 31 at his residence.
Friends that knew Rob, knew of the “upward battle” with medical problems he had most of his life. He was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes when he was 8 years old. Throughout the many surgeries, he had a positive outlook on life. And as Rob would say, “I’m not a ‘Why me’ kind of guy. I think it takes more time and effort to give up on things than it actually takes to see them through.”
One of Rob’s passions was biking. It started with BMX racing when he was younger. When he was confined to a wheelchair, it didn’t stop there. Rob started wheelchair racing, and it became full marathons. He was determined to do the Fox Cities Marathon after his kidney and pancreas transplant. Eight weeks after his transplant, he was there and he finished! He continued to do wheelchair marathons for many years after.
Other than racing, Rob’s real passion was Architectural Design. The Lord truly blessed Rob with a creative mind. It started with Lego blocks at age 5 to designing a home in his twenties. He was very gifted and was in the process of designing again after a few years off due to medical issues.
Rob is survived by his father: Robert (Jeanne) Jenkel, Winneconne; brothers: Benjamin (Sherry) Jenkel, Sun Prairie and John (Hannah) Jenkel, Menasha; sister: Amy ‘Hartjes’ Zak, Appleton; nephews: Harper and Olin Jenkel and niece: Laynee Zak. He is further survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother: Patricia A. Cottrell; grandparents: Wilbur & Margaret Cottrell and John & Clara Jenkel.
A funeral service for Rob will be held at 11AM, Saturday, August 6, at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, 8 S 4th St, Winneconne, with Rev. Mark Albrecht officiating. Friends may visit the family directly at the church on Saturday from 9AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Robert John "Rob" Jenkel, please visit our
Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
