Jerri Jenkins

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March 3, 2021 · via mobile

I’ll always remember the time when Jerri and I shared the school bus ride. One day I felt a hand running over my head. I turned round in surprise and saw Jerri and a friend . I asked what they were doing. Laughing she said "feeling you up" After i... more

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September 23, 2020

First, I would like to thank god and my mom for bring Jerri in my life. I was about 10 years old when I meant Jerri through Denver Kids. Jerri was a big sister for Denver Kids, and I was the chosen one and we connected immediately. Jerri was everything... more

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April 25, 2020

I already wrote and delivered my personal note to Ivan on March 29, the day we all were notified of Jerri's untimely passing, but I'm sorry that it has taken me this long to add to this site.
In my religion, Judaism, it is customary to honor a loved... moreI already wrote and delivered my personal note to Ivan on March 29, the day we all were notified of Jerri's untimely passing, but I'm sorry that it has taken me this long to add to this site.
In my religion, Judaism, it is customary to honor a loved one who has passed, by mentioning their name, every Shabbat, within the first 30 days. I have done that for the past 4 Shabbats. But now, I am left with keeping Jerri's memory alive through tender words, thoughts and memories.

Jerri and Ivan have been my next door neighbors & friends for 19 years.
That being said, I had a unique (but mind you, not nosy!) vantage point of seeing this amazing couple enjoy life to the fullest with each other....relaxing on their deck, having drinks or meals, and taking in nature and the beautiful views of the Rocky Mt. front range, especially during our glorious sunsets, in spring, summer and fall.

Jerri was, and her soul still carries on, the portrayal of a vibrant, funny, intelligent, hard-working, caring and loving human being. Her love for Ivan, their family, and their cats (in no special order - up to Ivan to figure that out), were evident and strong. Her amazing strength showed through, dealing with this wicked battle she so bravely fought, since it started.

I was so fortunate to be able to hang out with Jerri, even for just a few short visits, to keep company and talk, after their arrival back from Florida. I saw how organized and diligent she was, dealing with medications, phone calls, etc. She kept up her very attractive appearance with fancy bracelets and big smiles.

Now, to give much deserved credit to Ivan, he "went to the moon and back" to give Jerri the incredible help and care that she needed and deserved. These actions showed Ivan's amazing strength, love and respect for Jerri.

One "cat story" I'll share here with you... (no offense to cat lovers, but I had never been among one of them). One weekend, Jerri & Ivan were out of town. Their front door ended up a little open, and there was a fear of their cats being able to escape. Jerri and I talked on the phone. She asked me, and I agreed, to go in their house to make sure both cats were inside. It took a while, despite the fact that one or both of them were hiding, as I tried to locate them. Bells and tuna fish came to my aid, and the cats were finally located, safe and sound. We all breathed easier.
Fast forward to the other day, both cats came to "visit" me, as they came to hang out on my deck....see picture. They meowed and I tried to talk back to them, through my screen door, as I know they are missing Jerri. I miss Jerri as well. She will always be missed and loved. less

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April 24, 2020

What a great loss, Jerri will truly be misssed.

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April 10, 2020

Jerri loved the outdoors and in particular the views off her deck of the mountains, but also of sunsets and oceans. These photos are from time with Jerri and Ivan in Breckenridge CO. She was witty, intelligent, and always honest. She was a wise person.... more

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April 1, 2020

My dear friend Jerri,

I am heartbroken beyond words. You have been my close friend for 28 years and I already miss you terribly.
You have been such a loving friend to me, and I will so miss you and my “Jerri time” together. All our walks, our... more

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Jessica Carlson reacted on this.

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April 1, 2020

We were so sad to hear the news of Jerri’s passing. Ivan, our hearts go out to you and your family and all of Jerri’s friends. William, we are thinking of you and your family too.

Jerri was the youngest Idtse cousin. I will always remember her... moreWe were so sad to hear the news of Jerri’s passing. Ivan, our hearts go out to you and your family and all of Jerri’s friends. William, we are thinking of you and your family too.

Jerri was the youngest Idtse cousin. I will always remember her energy, smile, laugh, and quick wit. She shared her father’s storytelling ability. Jerri had a caring, gregarious personality. She could always be found talking as well as actively listening with someone, young and old alike.

Growing up, the extended Idtse Family was spread throughout the U.S., so family gatherings weren’t frequently held. When I was young, the Jenkins Family would fly up from Texas to the Beloit area in their plane to see Grandma and Grandpa Idtse. I fondly remember that my brother Paul and I had our first plane ride alongside our Texas cousins with our Uncle Russ at the controls.

One of the first big extended family gatherings I recall was at Sterling Worth to celebrate our Grandma and Grandpa Idtse’s 50th Wedding Anniversary. After this big event, my grandparents’ children each took a turn at being in charge of organizing the family reunions which happened sporadically every few years. Family reunion activities often focused on catching up over games of cards, water sports, golf and the initiation event for new family members. They were initiated into the Anti-Idtse Mutual Protection Association otherwise known as AIMPA.

Jerri and I worked with my dad to put together the family reunion at the YMCA of the Ozarks in 2003. That was the last time all of my dad’s generation of Idtse siblings gathered. I remember meeting Ivan at this family reunion. Jerri was excited to introduce him to the extended family and have him initiated into AIMPA.

Our last family reunion was held in Portland, OR in 2012. Jerri and Ivan attended this gathering. The older generation handed out t-shirts to all the female cousins announcing that the Idtse kick line was officially transferred down to our generation. We weren’t too sure we about this, but we gave it a try anyway.

The last time I saw Jerri and Ivan was in the summer of 2018. My daughter Erin and I went to Colorado for a spur-of-the-moment long weekend trip before she started law school in the fall. When I called Jerri and Ivan about getting together, they graciously adjusted their plans and met us in downtown Denver. Over drinks, they gave Erin insights about law school, opportunities with a law school degree, and their own law careers. It was so evident how much Ivan and Jerri cared, supported, and were proud of each other’s accomplishments and gifts. After quenching our thirst, they gave us a walking tour of the downtown area. We thoroughly enjoyed our time together.

Jerri will be missed.

With our deepest sympathy and love,
Sue, Tom, Ben, & Erin Bartenstein less

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April 1, 2020

Jerri was my sister-in-law. I am married to William, her brother. In a world that at this time seems so surreal, Jerri’s passing makes it feel even more so.

My hope given Jerri’s diagnosis a couple of months ago, was to have some good, quality... moreJerri was my sister-in-law. I am married to William, her brother. In a world that at this time seems so surreal, Jerri’s passing makes it feel even more so.

My hope given Jerri’s diagnosis a couple of months ago, was to have some good, quality time with her over the next year or so. However much time God was to grant her and us with her. I wanted to make up for the time lost because we got busy with our immediate families and obligations thinking that the day would come when we could circle back around and gather again. I wanted that time with her so that I could tell her how much I loved and admired her. Instead, I had about 10 minutes over the phone to try to convey all the many ways in which she had added beauty and joy to my life and our family, as a whole. And wouldn’t you know, she tried to steal some of my time by telling me the way in which I had enriched her life. I told her that I would never again in my life witness the grace and courage that she had shown from the time of her devastating diagnosis to that final phone call. And I really believe that to be true. I was startled by her peace and grace, as she said her final goodbye.

What I would have told her, had we the time that I had so hoped for, was that she was ahead of her time. That she was the perfect role model for young girls. And how lucky Kendall and Emily were to have her as an aunt. She taught them that women could be strong and powerful, and that they had a voice and it was their responsibility to use it. That they could demand the respect that they earned. Jerri was not a bystander. She called things as she saw them. And Kendall and Emily had front row seats. I would have also told her that she did for Will exactly what she did for the girls. She empowered him. She gave him the courage to trust himself. To forge his own path. And that men had feelings and they had just as much right as women to express them. She didn’t want any of them to be defined by a set of rules that she didn’t believe in.

As for me, Jerri walked beside me. She gave me strength at times when I didn’t have any. She encouraged me as a wife and a mother. I learned a little patience from her. Not enough, but some. Jerri embraced everyone. She was compassionate. She cared deep down, to her core. She demanded fairness. She loved unconditionally. She laughed easily. She cried easily. She told the truth. And she was true to herself, above all else. These are just some of the things I wanted to tell her.

I will continue to honor Jerri and celebrate her life and her goodness. To have known her and loved her and called her sister are a privilege. Lucky us for having the good fortune of having Jerri’s lasting imprint on our hearts. less

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March 31, 2020

Ivan is my cousin, and we have lived in different states our whole lives.
I only met Jerri one time just a few years ago at Ivan’s sister’s wedding.
It didn’t take long for me to know that she was a very intelligent woman, friendly, fun, and... more

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Julie Koves reacted on this.

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March 31, 2020 · via iPhone

Oh Jerri. I honestly can’t find the words. You were a beautiful, complicated, loyal, brutally honest, fierce and generous friend. I have known you since we were little girls and we have wandering into and out of each other’s lives for decades. ... moreOh Jerri. I honestly can’t find the words. You were a beautiful, complicated, loyal, brutally honest, fierce and generous friend. I have known you since we were little girls and we have wandering into and out of each other’s lives for decades. The best story of laughing and laughing with you and also being a bit terrified is the one I choose to share. I hope I can get the details right but I am sure Shelley can fill in the missing or wrong pieces...

We left one evening very late to drive out to visit a young man you were seeing. He was about to go into the marines the next day so we snuck out and drove to his house about 30 minutes into the country. Upon leaving his house, maybe 2am?, we missed our exit and instead of having to drive miles out of the way, you decided to cross the median. Let me pause here to say how much your driving terrified me. OMG, hang on, Jerri is driving!! It would have been fine, but it had been raining so as you got to the middle, driving fast and impulsive as you did, the Volvo literally sank up to the hood in water and mud. Lots of young girl screaming and panic inside. We got out and assessed the situation and it was hopeless so we got in the car and locked all the doors.

We couldn’t call our parents because we were not supposed to be out. After 30 minutes of laughing and drama, an 18 wheeler pulled over and the driver got out and approached the car. He was pure cowboy...cowboy hat, boots and swagger. Shelley and I begged you not to roll down the window so you rolled it down an inch...just enough to hear him. His shoulders dropped and he said in the heaviest Texas drawl “oh hell, roll the window down sugar. Shit, I ain’t gonna hurt you”. And we all relaxed a hair and rolled the window down.

Several other truckers came along and as they blocked the freeway from oncoming traffic, he hooked the car up to his rig and towed the white, mud covered Volvo out and sent us on our way. All the way home back to Ft Worth there were 18 wheelers parked along the side of the road, and as we passed they would give a long blast to their horns and pull out behind us. They had Smokey and the Bandit style talked and made sure the three little girls made it safely back to Ft Worth.

I will never be able to ask you if you ever told your parents what happened.

You will be missed my friend. I love you mucho Jerri, even the moments of oil and water we were together at times.

There will never be another Jerri. Rest peacefully with Jesus my beautiful friend. less

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Shelley Flanagan reacted on this.

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March 30, 2020 · via iPhone

Shelley Flanagan reacted on this.
Shelley Flanagan What great photos, Mary!
- March 30, 2020

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March 30, 2020 · via iPhone

Shelley Flanagan reacted on this.

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March 30, 2020

Jerri and Ivan were in California this last December. I was having some rough health issues and they took time to help and coach me. Reflecting on the time we had together, what stands out is Jerri's kindness, softness. She exudes a gentleness. I... more

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March 30, 2020

In the midst of all this darkness I found out that my long-time friend, Jerri, had died of an aggressive and fast moving cancer two days ago. It's been hard to wrap my head around the fact that this dynamic, powerful woman is gone.

Our history... moreIn the midst of all this darkness I found out that my long-time friend, Jerri, had died of an aggressive and fast moving cancer two days ago. It's been hard to wrap my head around the fact that this dynamic, powerful woman is gone.

Our history together began a long time ago when she was the first friend to fly from Texas to Colorado to keep me company in my loneliness when I moved in high school. She taught me to ski and reminded me of the fact that I was still loved and missed by my Texas friends and family. That following summer I went back to Texas and spent almost every night at her house talking about boys, skinny dipping in her pool and getting into trouble with her and Jody. A few years later, when in college, she transferred to CU Boulder and we got a house together with 2 other friends, Maria and Mary. We had some great times in that little house on Broadway - talking about our futures, gathering friends for celebrations, and enjoying every aspect of our Senior Year in Boulder.

Jerri moved to New York City and I got to visit her there. I was blown away by her bravery and independence living there on her own and tackling all the Big Apple threw her way. When my mother was dying of cancer and had surgery at Sloan Kettering, it was Jerri that showed up and sat with me through those excruciating days.

Jerri liked to bring this up often, but it's because of her that I'm with my husband, Rick! In high school, she was visiting when Rick first asked me out on a date my sophomore year. With her in tow, we went on our first date to the movies. Jerri kept it funny and light and said she didn't mind being the "3rd Wheel". I'm sure it was not much fun for her, but she didn't let on. 6 years later, I had lost touch with Rick, but Jerri spotted him in a bar and told him that I was single and that he should call me. The rest is history. So, yes - I have Jerri to thank for bringing us together!

I was so happy when she found Ivan, her true soulmate. He made her laugh and brought a tenderness to her that I had never seen before. And, then the grandchildren and family that further melted her heart and made her life complete.

We saw each other through the years but as life tends to do to friends, we had sadly grown apart. But, I'll never forget the lessons Jerri taught me. She always spoke her mind and taught me to not back down. When we went head to head she would always have the vulnerability and strength to want to talk it through with me. Jerri was incredibly bright and ambitious from the start and worked in a male dominated field but taught me that persistence, grit and hard work can pay off. She dressed impeccably at all times with gorgeous clothes, jewelery and haircuts. We'd laugh that Jerri will be late to any event but it would be worth it when she walks in the door looking gorgeous. As strong and assertive as Jerri could be, she was also the first person to cry and open up to her deep pain. The last few times we were together involved so many laughs and tears of the years we had together.

My heart aches reading about the unbelievable pain you had been through the last months of your life, Jerri. I wish I had known and could've somehow comforted you. Please know that you were important to me and you and Ivan and your beautiful family will forever be in my prayers. There is comfort in knowing that you are at Peace and that you were surrounded in love and faith in your final days. I love you and will never forget how you were such an important part of my life. 😢 💔 less

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March 29, 2020

Like most of us, Jerri was a complex bundle of contradictions. She was a combination of fire-breathing lawyer and vulnerable little girl. A lover of simple sunsets and extravagant combinations of colorful clothing and jewelry. A loyal, loving friend... moreLike most of us, Jerri was a complex bundle of contradictions. She was a combination of fire-breathing lawyer and vulnerable little girl. A lover of simple sunsets and extravagant combinations of colorful clothing and jewelry. A loyal, loving friend but someone you did not want to cross. Gentle and also unflinchingly direct. I think it was in the last year or so that she became comfortable in her own skin, shedding any need to be different or more impressive. A process for any of us.

I met Jerri about 21 years ago at our church home, Wheatfield Fellowship. As I think back, we really were at a similar place in our lives. My divorce, which was not my idea, had become final – it was not amicable or easy. My relationship with my daughters was intact, but a bit strained. Jerri had come out of a series of disappointing relationships and was fearful of more pain. Our journey would be interesting and intense, but not a cakewalk.

She was beautiful, vivacious and youthful. She was a voluntary leader in the church youth group and that role fit her well. Although I was attracted immediately, I didn’t know how to approach her – after all, I’d been out of that game for 23 years. I hatched plot that involved waiting for her to come out of the church and pretending I just happened to be leaving at the same time. I pounced and asked if she wanted to have lunch – I said I needed a friend, but I wanted more than that. The beginning of a beautiful (mostly) courtship. Two lawyers looking for soul connection and sharing made for an intense romance as well as discoveries about how different our expectations were of each other and life.

After we hosted a party at Jerri’s condo on Y2K eve, I asked Jerri to marry me at about 3am on New Years day, 2000. Somehow, she agree and we were married on Aug 22, 2000 on top of Keystone mountain. It was spectacular, from the gondola rides up and down, to the tender ceremony pastored by Rick Cole to the rollicking party band and dancing after dinner. Our honeymoon on the big island of Hawaii was idyllic, although none of the 300 or so pictures I took turned out. Pre-digital days.

Thus started a nearly 20 year adventure. As most of you understand, marriage is the hardest thing in the world. Achieving world peace doesn’t even come close. Jerri and I worked through many issues, all the while remaining steadfastly committed. Our belief in each other’s devotion never waivered, even as choppy waters rocked the boat. Divorce or even separation never were options and that was huge. As time passed, we were increasingly able to give each other grace and accept the other’s foibles, even knowing that the irritation may last forever. Jerri never failed to apologize and ask forgiveness for her bad behavior. I was not that consistent. Even though 12 years younger, her pursuit and achievement of humility was way ahead of mine.

Jerri’s career was a resounding success. Her last landing spot, the firm of Foster, Graham, Milstein and Callisher, was the perfect incubator to make her one of Denver’s premier commercial real estate attorneys. As her partner, David Foster puts it, Jerri was a powerhouse in the real estate legal world. She was always the most thoroughly prepared attorney in any transaction. Her clients loved her and she made her clients better at their own jobs. Jerri never was a person to tout how big-time she was, but many of the big transactions in the metro area over the years had Jerri’s brain, thought and heart in the deal. David saw that Jerri was committed to her clients, the firm, her friends and family until the end.

Grandchildren came into Jerri’s life about 13 years ago, and she never looked back. What a joy they were to her, and she to them. One of my biggest sadnesses is that she will not get to see granddaughter Cora (now 3 weeks old) or watch Peyton, Everett and Holden grow and mature. Last October, we spent a week with Peyton and Everett at our Florida place, making epic visits to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Busch Gardens. Jerri never declined to go on a gnarly ride with the kiddos even as I chickened out on most. In January, Lindsay, Ryan and Holder joined us in Florida for a week’s warm weather break. Oh, how Jerri loved these times of family connection.

Jerri and I traveled to many wonderful places, saw spectacular things, had great meals together and enjoyed many a sunset. Looking back, it is the light in her eyes when I said “I love you” that I will remember. We understood we each had an earthly anchor, and that’s a gift for the ages. Our ultimate anchor is Jesus Christ. I’m convinced none of has any hope other than his redeeming grace that reconciles us to God the Father.

My heart is broken now and I wish I have another 20 years with Jerri. She was my true companion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sp6zoc84NcU less

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