Harry Jenkins, Jr., father of University President-elect Father John Jenkins, died Wednesday in his hometown of Omaha, Neb. He was 75.
Harry Jenkins fell and suffered a brain hemorrhage within the past few days, University spokesman Matt Storin said. Jenkins' health had been on the decline in recent years.
Survived by his wife, Helen, and 12 children - six boys and six girls, with the president-elect falling as number three - Harry Jenkins had been a professor emeritus of medicine since 2001.
A retired gastroenterologist, he - like his own father, Harry Sr., before him - served on the faculty of his alma mater, the medical school of Creighton Jesuit University in Omaha. Harry and Helen wed during his first year at Creighton, when she had just finished nursing school. Helen and all 12 children were present for her husband's death, Storin said.
University President Father Edward Malloy will travel to Omaha today to honor his successor's father, Storin said. Several other University officers will also attend the wake and viewing, which will be held this afternoon at 2 p.m., and the funeral service, which will be held Saturday at 10 a.m.
John Jenkins is expected to preside over his father's funeral mass. The service will be in St. Leo's Church, located at 1920 North 102nd St., Omaha.
Memorials may be sent to Notre Dame's Harry and Helen Jenkins Scholarship Fund.
