Russell Jenkins

With great sadness, we announce the loss of our father, Russell David Jenkins, 76, of Staples, who died May 18, 2023, in Staples. Russ was surrounded by his loving family and close friends throughout his short battle with bone marrow cancer. 

Services will be held July 22 at Faith Lutheran Church, Staples. Visitation will be held at 10 a.m with the service at 11 a.m. Following the service, the family will be holding a lunch, gathering and celebration of life at the Russ Jenkins’ farm. 

Russell was born June 28, 1946 to Leslie and Mayme Jenkins of rural Staples. Russell was the youngest of three siblings, one sister, the late Rita Jensen (Jenkins) and one brother, the late Roger Jenkins.

Russell enjoyed spending time with his family and friends fishing, hunting, camping and traveling while making unforgettable memories. He was a man that you could count on for anything, always there no matter what anyone needed. 

Russell graduated from Staples High School in 1965 and studied Tool Design and Drafting at Staples Vo-Tech. He worked at FMC Corporation in Fridley as a Tool Designer and Machinist, designing numerous firearms that were used in the Vietnam War. In 1971, Russell moved back to Staples and worked as a Machinist for BN Railroad in Brainerd. In 1973, he started his own machine shop, R & R Tool and also took a position with 3M in 1981. In 1993, Russ was teaching at Central Lakes Collage as an instructor for the Machine Tool Technology program and later was an instructor in the Welding program at theBrainerd College. Russ retired in 2011 and continued to work part time to keep busy. He loved talking to people, sharing his stories and life experiences.

Russell is survived by two children, David (Carrie)  Jenkins and Aimee Jenkins. Russ was a beloved grandpa to four grandchildren, Ashley, Brandon, Ethan and Kaylee. 

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