Franklin Charles Jenkins

Franklin Charles Jenkins “Buck”, of Rhinelander and a former resident of Edgerton, passed away on Sunday morning, Oct. 27, 2024, at Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital.

Buck was the third child born to Carl and Ginny (Gillett) Jenkins on April 18, 1942, in Edgerton. He attended Edgerton public schools and was a 1960 graduate of Edgerton High School.

He was united in marriage to Sandy Nelson in Edgerton in 1961. They later divorced. From their marriage they were blessed with two children, Michelle and Joe Jenkins.

Buck was employed as a chemist with Uniroyal Co. in Stoughton. After retiring Buck moved to Rhinelander to do what he loved best, which was fishing, hunting, and having a few toddies.

He is best known for his fish fries. Frying his own fish, making his own tartar sauce and deviled eggs. His fish fries were always held on his birthday. The fish fry he began in Edgerton is still held to this day. The money raised is used for scholarships and to this day is called “Bucks Fish Fry”.

He enjoyed a round of golf, watching the Packers, Brewers, Badger sports, NASCAR, and just a little Toronto Blue Jays.

Bucks’ family and friends have many memories and stories which will be held onto by them forever. One story that is shared with occurred one evening as Buck drove home in Rhinelander. As he told the story he hit a big “deer” in a ditch. The very next Christmas he received a mailbox with antlers attached to it and the name “deer” printed on the mailbox.

He is survived by his daughter, Michelle (Ron) Gagnier and daughter-in-law, JoAnn Jenkins, four grandchildren, Spencer (Lindsey) Gagnier, Nicole Gagnier, Nick and Dylan Jenkins, sisters, Lynne Dunlavy, Suzy Burpee, Jane (Jay) Hurlicka, and a brother, Dennis Jenkins of Florida. Also surviving are nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Buck is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Virginia Jenkins, son, Joe Jenkins, who passed away on October 7, 2024; brother, John Jenkins, sister, Carol Ann Lintvedt, grandparents, Louis and Vi Anderson and Severt and Effie Amundson, and a sister-in-law, Meredy Jenkins.

A very special thank you to Steve Wold, Steve Wright, Tracy Langdon and Marty Jolin.

The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the other friends, fishing buddies and helpers that allowed Buck to live in his own home until his passing.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.