POTSDAM – Mr. Michael Wayne Jenks, 68 of Rochester and formerly of Potsdam, lost his short battle with cancer on March 24, 2017.

Mike was born on April 2, 1948 the oldest child of Hallie and Margaret Jenks of Newton Falls and attended schools in Star Lake. He worked at Newton Falls Paper Mill before he and his family moved to Erie, PA, where he managed Wendell’s Small Engine Repair Shop. He then found his passion of woodworking and worked as a cabinet maker for many years. Mike loved life and inspired you to live life to the fullest and his addicting smile showed everyone he did just that. He will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to be part of his life.

He survived by his sister, Cheryl (Dick) Gerhard, Rochester, who Mike resided with for the last several years and his brother, Gerald (Vicki) Jenks of Potsdam. He is also survived by five daughters, Kelsey Allesi of Rochester; Tammy (Howard) Orton of Baltimore, MD; Donna (Nelson) Lawrence of Gouverneur; Boneta Borrerro of North East, PA; and Carol Phelps of Cochranton, PA; four sons, David, Douglas (Marge), Jerry, and Mark Phelps, all of PA; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two sons, James and Jeffery Phelps.

Friends may call Saturday, June 3, 2017 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Donaldson-Seymour Funeral Home, Potsdam, where a funeral service celebrating his life will be held at 1:00 pm with Deacon Jim Snell, officiating. A luncheon will follow the service at Sergi’s Banquet Hall, Market Street, Potsdam.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Heart for ALS, NY, 1899 South Ave., Rochester, NY 14620.