Donald G. Janke

Obituary

Donald George Janke was born on December 13, 1927, in Bird Island, Minnesota. He was the son of Henry William and Anna (Inselmann) Janke. Donald was baptized as an infant on January 24, 1928, by Pastor Wypermann at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hector, Minnesota and later confirmed in his faith as a youth on April 18, 1943, at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. He received his education at country schools in Meeker and McLeod countries.

Donald entered active military service in the United States Army on October 23, 1950, and was stationed in Japan. Donald received an Honorable Discharge on September 28, 1952, at Camp Carson in Colorado, and achieved the rank of SGT (T).

On October 16, 1954, Donald was united in marriage to Leona Kaddatz at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. This marriage was blessed with three children, Jeffrey, David, and Lori. Leona and Donald resided in Hutchinson. They shared 62 years of marriage together until the passing of Leona on August 17, 2017.

He was employed at Rockite Silo in Hutchinson and was a custodian for the Hutchinson Public Schools until he retired.

Donald enjoyed fishing, traveling with his wife, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson.

Donald passed away on Sunday, December 20, 2020, at his home in Hutchinson, at the age of 93 years. Blessed be his memory.

Donald is survived by his:
Children, Jeffrey Janke and his wife, Rita, of Hutchinson, MN,
David Janke and his wife, Cathy, of Charlotte, NC,
Lori West and her husband, Mike, of Hutchinson, MN;
Grandchildren, Daniel Janke and his wife, Rhiannon, of Dassel, MN,
Debra Janke of Hutchinson, MN,
Christopher Janke and his wife, Natashia, of Clover, SC,
Jon Janke, and his wife, Virginia, of Charlotte, NC,
Andrew Janke and his wife, Maggie, of Charlotte, NC,
Ashley Pender and her husband, Wilbur Jr., of Franklinton, NC,
Matthew West and his significant other, Lara Egge, of Buffalo Lake, MN,
Steven West and his wife, Caroline, of Minot, ND,
Holly West and her significant other, Jason Handeland, of Fairfax, MN;
18 Great-Grandchildren;
2 Step-Great-Grandchildren;
Twin Brother, Ronald Janke of Hutchinson, MN,
Brother, Myron Janke and his wife, Margaret, of Merrifield, MN;
Sister, Helen Murphy of Hutchinson, MN;
Nieces, Nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

Donald is preceded in death by his Parents, Henry and Anna Janke; Wife, Leona Janke; Brothers, Marvin Janke and his wife, Murial, Eldean (Pete) and his wife, Marlyce; Sister, Elnora Putney and her husband, Robert; Nephew, Craig Wendorff; Sisters-in-law, Elaine Janke, Millie Wendorff Hakes; Brother-in-law, Joe Murphy, Everett Wendorff.