Lyle Erman Jenks, age 91, of Sault Ste. Marie, passed away Friday March 22, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born in Pickford, Mich. on June 17, 1932, to parents Erman and Margaret “Cassie” (Crawford) Jenks.
Lyle was a life-long resident of Sault Ste. Marie and graduated from Sault High. He met his wife of 59 years, Vera Mae Beacom, on a blind date arranged by his good friend Bert McKiddie. Lyle and Vera were married on April 11, 1953, at the Pickford United Methodist Church. Lyle served overseas in the U.S. Army for two years during the Korean War. Once he returned home, Lyle went to work for the City of Sault Ste. Marie’s street department, initially shoveling snow off of the city’s sidewalks and bridges. Lyle worked for the city for 42 years, eventually retiring as the City Street Superintendent.
For many years, Lyle was a part of the I-500 Snowmobile Race Committee. Lyle and Vera were long-time members of the First Baptist Church of Sault Ste. Marie, and he later attended Rosedale Community Church. Lyle also enjoyed volunteering at the Cedarville Post Thrift Store in Cedarville, MI.
Lyle loved spending time with his family and friends and regularly attended his grandchildren and great-grandchildren's sporting events and livestock shows. He also enjoyed playing golf, fishing, mowing grass on his lawn tractor and doing word-search puzzles while watching old Westerns on TV. On Saturday afternoons, Lyle also enjoyed listening to the live music of the Pickford Pickers. After retirement, Lyle and Vera spent the summers at their cabin in Cedarville. During November, he spent every deer season at hunting camp, The Happy Hour, south of Pickford.
Lyle is survived by his daughters: Cheri Shagena and Lori (James) Campbell, both of Pickford; grandchildren: Cheri (Ben) Bush, James “Big Jim” Campbell, Chrissy Campbell, Jeffrey Shagena, Jennifer (Ronnie) Mota, and Pam Jenks; great-grandchildren: Matthew Bush, Laura Bush, Dylan Jorgensen, Melanie Jorgensen, Sorelle Mota, Azaryah Mota, Zoe Mota, Kingsley Mota, Tadashi Mota, Daniel Mota, and Brayden Butler. Lyle is also survived by his sister, Helen Jenks, of Sault Ste. Marie.
Lyle was preceded in death by his parents: Erman and Cassie, wife Vera, son Dennis and sisters: Dorothy Ferguson, Isabelle Alexander, and Barbara Kinghorn.
A visitation will be held on Saturday April 6, 2024, from 1-3 p.m. with a funeral service to follow at 3 p.m. at Family Life Funeral Home in Pickford.
A graveside service will be held after the funeral at Cottle Cemetery in Pickford, followed by a gathering at the Pickford Global Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be made to Hospice of the EUP, 308 W. 12th Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. 49783
Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
