Norman Lee Jenkins, Sr. passed away peacefully, Friday, February 14, 2025.  "Doc" was born on March 2, 1937, in St. Louis, MO and graduated from Granite City, IL High School in 1955.  He attended Illinois State University (ISU) on a baseball scholarship, and his love for the St. Louis Cardinals lives on in his children and grandchildren.  He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, but opted to become a first-generation college graduate.  Norm met Gloria Kaszynski (deceased) while attending ISU and they were married on August 23, 1958.  He earned a B.S. from ISU in 1959, and began his career in education in 1960 working as a teacher and coach in the Worden, IL school system, also serving honorably in the Marine Corps Reserves.  Norm completed his masters degree from Purdue University in 1963, and in 1964, he and his young family moved to Ogelsby, IL where he became a counselor and teacher at LaSalle-Peru Township High School.  He returned to Purdue in 1968, four children in tow, to complete his Ph.D. (1970).  Doc then embarked on his career with the newly-established Kishwaukee Community College in Malta, IL, and the family relocated to Rochelle, IL.  At Kishwaukee, he served as the Dean of Students Services from 1968-1970, Executive Dean from 1970-1978, and President from 1978-2000, when he retired.  During his tenure at Kishwaukee he established a strong legacy as a community leader, serving on numerous boards and committees within the college district.  Norm married Diane McNeilly (deceased) on October 20, 1997 and they continued to live in Rochelle, remaining active members of the Rochelle community.  Over the years, he enjoyed attending the many sports and theatrical events in the lives of his children and grandchildren.  Norm, Sr. was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lily Jenkins, and his brothers Bill, Ralph, and Dan.  He is survived by his four children:  Kathy Phillips (Elliott, deceased) of Stoughton, WI, Norm Jenkins (Dawn) of Rochelle, IL,  Lisa Autry (Mark) of St. Louis, MO, and Mike Jenkins (Sheri) of Quincy, IL, as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Visitation is 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at Unger-Horner funeral home in Rochelle, IL.  Gravesite services will take place in Worden, IL on May 2, 2025.  Given that Norm was a golf enthusiast, if you are so moved, please donate on his behalf to the "GloJay Quest to be Best" youth golf memorial fund, which benefits aspiring community youth golf players of all ages.   Guest book at www.UngerHorner.com