William "Little Bill" R Jenkins

William R "Little Bill" Jenkins, 79, of DeMotte, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Born on January 6, 1946, in Terre Haute, Indiana, Bill was the son of William and Madlyn (Lowe) Jenkins. He graduated in 1964 from Lew Wallace High School in Gary, Indiana, and went on to become a proud member of the Bricklayers Union Local 6, serving as a Union Steward for 58 years. Bill retired after 30 years of dedicated service at Inland Steel, due to a debilitating stroke. After recovering, Bill volunteered his time in the stroke rehab wing of Saint Anthony's Hospital in Crown Point to encourage other stroke victims by showing them life does go on. On June 27, 1965, Bill married the love of his life, Karen Vician, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gary, Indiana. They shared a beautiful life together for over 59 years. Bill was an active member of Saint Michaels's Lutheran Church, in Hebron, and then at Faith Lutheran Church in DeMotte. He was passionate about fishing, camping, and spending quality time with his family. Bill was a Little League coach, had a passion for football, a member of the Duneland Rock Club, and played dartball for 25 years in DeMotte. Bill enjoyed winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama, where he and Karen made many new friends and fond memories. Above all, Bill cherished spending time with his grandchildren and great- grandchildren, taking them on memorable trips, including each of their first visits to Disneyland/Disney World! Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Karen, his children, Kari Glebe, Billy (Sarah) Jenkins, and Lori Jenkins Schmidt, his grandchildren, Matthew (Claire), Morganne, Mark, and Mitchell Glebe, Will and Shawn Jenkins, Aubree Allen (Willow), Ayden Allen, James, Zayden, Oriana, and Cazton Schmidt, his 6 great-grandchildren and 4 bonus great-grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his daughter, Kristie Ann, his son-in-law, Matt Glebe, his brother, Howie Jenkins, and his parents. A visitation will be held at Faith Lutheran Church on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM CST, followed by a funeral service in the sanctuary, with Pastor Brett Satkowiak officiating. A 1:00 PM committal service will be held in the mausoleum at Calumet Park Cemetery, in Merrillville, Indiana. Bill will be remembered for his warm spirit, his devotion to God and family, as well as his love for life. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and cherished memories.

William "Little Bill" R Jenkins

January 6, 1946 - January 28, 2025