Janice Katherine Jenkins

Janice K. Jenkins, age 79, of Brooklyn Park passed away on August 19th, 2025. She is preceded in death by her parents Ted and Helen Martin. She is survived by husband Steve of 58 years; daughter Carrie (Russell) Davis; grandchildren Joshua, Jacob, Joseph, Emily, Michaela, and Elizabeth; 10 siblings; and many other family and friends. Jan and Steve met in 1965 at gymnastics practice in college. Jan was a great dancer since her teen years and she worked at Arthur Murray's and Fred Astaire's dance studios in Wichita, KS and Little Rock, AR after college. Steve had joined the Navy in the fall of 1966 and married Jan in June 1967 after which they moved to Oxnard, CA where he was stationed at the time. He received a medical discharge on Jan's behalf (chronic asthma) in August 1969, moving to Minnesota for the rest of their lives together. Jan worked in pediatrics for 15 years followed by 10 years at an allergy clinic. The next 30 years were devoted to volunteering her time and skills to various initiatives within her church community, always with a smile and kind words for all those she encountered. As for our shortcomings? Jan always said "We're all a work in progress!" Philippians 1:6 She was always a social bug with a big heart, a sweet demeanor, was always willing to help or just be a listening ear for those in need. Jan suffered with dementia for the last 5+ years. Steve has long referred to her as his beautiful bride. Funeral mass to be held at St. Raphael's Catholic Church, 7301 Bass Lake Rd, New Hope, MN 55428. Private family interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.