Denise G. McKigney Jenkins

Denise McKigney Jenkins, age 51 of Owatonna, formerly Villard, died Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale. Due to governmental restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no public services at this time. A private family graveside service will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Glenwood, with a Celebration of Denise's life to be announced once the COVID restrictions have lifted. Arrangements are with Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Glenwood.

Denise Geralyn McKigney Jenkins, the daughter of Leo and Arlene (Wolbeck) McKigney, was born on June 23, 1968 in St. Cloud, MN. She was adopted as a baby and grew up on their farm near Villard, MN. She attended St. Bartholomew Catholic Church and Villard Public School where she enjoyed volleyball and FHA. Following graduation in 1987, she studied Occupational Skills at Bemidji Area Vocational Technical Institute.

Denise moved to Northfield, MN and was married to John Kadrlik in July of 1991. They were blessed with two sons, Travis and Tanner. Following their divorce, Denise and her sons moved back to Villard for a few years before settling in Hope, MN. She lived on a small hobby farm where she enjoyed her horses, dogs, and goats. She married Ralph Jenkins and later divorced.

Denise held various jobs but found her many years as a personal care assistant most rewarding. She worked with clients of all ages and loved each one as a member of her family. Denise had a big heart and was always willing to help. She found great enjoyment in spending time with and caring for her grandchildren. She also loved to spend time outdoors fishing with her family, riding on the four-wheeler, and horseback riding.

She is survived by her father, Leo McKigney of Villard; her two sons, Travis (Erica) Kadrlik of Albert Lea and Tanner Kadrlik of Owatonna; Travis’ children, Audrianna and Mazikeen Kadrlik, and Travis’ stepchildren, Ella Jeno and Axl Nelson; her five siblings, Darrell McKigney of Arlington, VA, Donavon McKigney of Villard, Deanna (Chris) Emmert of Hancock, and their daughters, Alison, Bailee and Kecia, Darren (Christine Obenland) McKigney of Minneapolis, and their children, Iris and Eli, and Dana (Beth Peters) McKigney of Brooklyn Park, and their sons, Benjamin and Samuel; along with other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Arlene McKigney; her grandparents, John and Leona (Hiltner) Wolbeck and Edward and Mary (Hauger) McKigney.

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