Christine “Chris” Marie Jenk

June 15, 1946 - April 1, 2026

Town of Belgium resident Christine “Chris” Marie Jenk, an accomplished and talented woman, concluded her courageous journey on April 1, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of positivity, love and living life with utmost joy. Chris’ effervescence was felt by every person she met and embodied in every project she completed. Friends said of her, “We are blessed to have known this amazing person and had the joy of having her in our lives. Her love embodied and shined into the lives of all those who knew her.”

She was born to Catherine and Dr. Lloyd Jenk on June 15, 1946, in Madison, Wis., the second in a family of five children.

In 1964, Chris graduated from Wauwatosa East High School. She applied and was the only woman in the Marquette College of Engineering, followed by her studies at her beloved University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning her a bachelor’s degree. A short hiatus from education took her to teaching K-12 art in Barneveld, Wis., where her love of art was gifted to her students.

Chris’ love of travel took her to Sorbonne University in Paris, where she studied French literature. Her return from Europe was met with being one of two women accepted into the new UW-Milwaukee School of Architecture and Urban Planning. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in architectural studies in 1971 and a master’s degree in architecture in 1973. She registered as an architect in 1973.

Christine met her husband John C. Fox in the Architecture and Urban Studies program. They married in August 2007 after a 34-year courtship. Together they designed and built a beautiful home on Lake Michigan in 2010.

Christine’s career spanned decades. She worked for several large firms on multiple building types, including hotels across the nation. In 1986, she opened her own office, Jenk Architecture and Design, and it was here she was able to mentor young professionals. She continued hospitality, office and residential work. Chris was also an adjunct professor at the UW-Milwaukee School of Architecture and Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, teaching architectural design. She was a pioneer in the heretofore male-dominated construction business, forging the way for women in engineering and architecture careers.

Travel was one of Chris’ passions and she was fortunate to visit many countries and continents. She didn’t just travel, she fully experienced each adventure and documented her travels as a seasoned scholar.

Her creativity and joy also shined while painting and taking photographs. Christine supported, and was a member of, the Museum of Wisconsin Art, Milwaukee Art Museum, John Michael Kohler Art Center and Milwaukee Public Television.

Christine is survived and sorely missed by her husband John C. Fox; her four siblings, Barbara Patterson (Michael), John Jenk (Pam), Mary Cotter (Patrick) and Margaret Shadid (Steve); brother-in-law Timothy D. Fox (June); sister-in-law Jane Fox-Anderson (Mark); and her beloved nieces, nephews, their families, friends, classmates and fellow architects. She was much loved.

Our condolences go out to the family of her sister-in-law Kathleen Sue Pettit, who passed away a day after Chris. Our world was a better place for her love.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Please visit www.schmidtandbartelt.com to leave condolences for the family.