William 'Bill' Robert Jenkinson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William "Bill" Robert Jenkinson, age 57, of Hudson, WI who passed away peacefully of natural causes, on May 11, 2025, in Fairfax County, Viginia, where he was working contracted jobs. ]

Bill was born September 13, 1967, to Robert "Bob" and Carolyn (Meisel) Jenkinson. Bill grew up and lived most of his life in Hudson and graduated from Hudson High School with the class of 1985. In 1992, he married Tracey Krauss, and together they were blessed with two children: Brannan and Calla. The marriage would later dissolve.

Some interesting facts about Bill: He was a Security Officer while the Mall of America (MOA) was being built and then for the first year or two after it opened. He marveled at all the behind-the-scenes things he learned and knew about the MOA. He met his lifelong best friend, Chris O'Brien, on their first day of kindergarten. They bonded over wearing the same Green Bay Packer shirts.

If you knew Bill, then you knew he was a Wisconsin sports fan through and through. Whether it was the Packers, Badgers, Brewers, or Bucks, he listened, watched, and attended games throughout his life.

Bill was a wonderful singer. One of his greatest joys was singing with the O'Brien's singing group in Hudson. He was the only non-O'Brien in the group, but they considered him like a brother. They even sang for sitting President George W. Bush in 2004 when he came to Hudson.

Above all, Bill's greatest joys were his children, Brannan and Calla. He loved them with every fiber of his being. He was there for all their events growing up. He was an Assistant Coach for Brannan's baseball teams, and helped Calla develop her softball skills over the years. He never missed a concert, a dance recital, a piano recital, or sporting event.

Bill was a lifelong member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Hudson. He was baptized, confirmed, married, sang, and even worked there for many years. Bill was a member of the Senior Choir for decades. His rich baritone/bass voice brought a depth to the choir like no other. Bill was a member of the New Song Band for many years and was even the Worship Leader for a number of those years. Bill was also a "behind the scenes guy" at church as the Audio/Visual specialist for a number of years. He was detail oriented and wanted to make sure that the congregation enjoyed every service.

Bill is survived by his children: Brannan (Sarah) Jenkinson of Tampa FL, and Calla Jenkinson of Stillwater, MN; mother: Carolyn, siblings: John (Annette) Jenkinson, Ted (Hanna) Jenkinson, and Lori Jenkinson; honorary brothers: Tom, Pat, Tim, Dan, Chris, and Sean O'Brien; and many uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, and friends. He was proceeded in death by his father, Bob Jenkinson, aunt Barb McIntyre, and cousin Ken Meisel.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00PM, Sunday, June 29 at Bethel Lutheran - Downtown Campus, 920 Third Street in Hudson with a Visitation one hour prior. Interment will be private. Memorials are preferred to Brannan or Calla to aid in Bill's unexpected expenses with his passing. Cremation and memorials servicves have been entrusted to the O'Connell Family Funeral Homes.