Daniel Janke, previously of Lynden, is now joyfully exalting his Savior in heaven as of Oct. 21, 2018. Visitation will be Saturday, Oct. 27, from 9 to 10 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 10:30 a.m., both in Gillies Funeral Home.
Dan began his earthly journey on Oct. 2, 1931, as Martin and Alice, Otto, Kurt, Lydia and Hannah Janke of Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, welcomed him into their family. Later, because his family moved to Barron, Wisconsin, he was able to meet June Kurschner during high school. They were married in Barron in 1952, and he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1955.
Besides Dan’s time in Okinawa, that military service took them to Biloxi, Mississippi, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Denver, Colorado, Sacramento, California, and finally to retirement in Lynden. During his working years, Dan traded a job with the Air Force for a senior contract management position as part of Lockheed Martin’s aerospace sector.
After June passed away in 2012, he traveled back to a high school reunion and became reacquainted with Marilyn Larsen, part of the “Barron Bunch” that he and June had known over the years. He asked, she said yes, and they had almost five years of very joyful marriage. In his last year of failing health, Marilyn was constantly by his side.
Dan liked cool cars (in his early years), grandchildren, cold-brewed coffee from Cabin Coffee in Barron, grandchildren, drinking coffee with his buddies Bill, Shorty and Herm at the Lynden Starbucks, music, eating at Lehman’s in Barron, laughing, biscotti from Cabin Coffee, driving by his old home in Barron, Fudgy-Wudgy ice cream from Edaleen Dairy in Lynden, and chocolate chip cookies. And mincemeat pie.
Dan was saved at a camp meeting in Barron. He trusted in Jesus alone for his salvation and loved the Lord. He was an example of faithfulness in his marriages and in his service to Christ. As a church member and deacon, pastors routinely tapped into his wisdom, especially in difficult matters. He had an uncanny discernment.
He leaves behind his children: Rev. David (Marilyn), Rev. Paul (Karen), Rev. John (Terri); his grandchildren Ester, David Jr. (Allie), Anna (Daniel), Sara June (Nathaniel), Kim (Tim), Dan, Ruth (Paul), Joel, Heidi (Joshua), Rachel (Andrew), Alyssa, Jon, Tiana, Lea; and nine great-grands.
He shared Marilyn’s family: Lori (John), Lania (Gary), Larry (Cindy), Lisa (Roger), Lynelle (Rob), 23 grands and 25 great-grands.
We’re extremely grateful to the staff at the Silverado Memory Care Community for their exceptional, respectful and meticulous care of Dan during his last year. Nurse Pam from Whatcom Hospice was a true gem and blessing to our family.
You are invited to share your memories and condolences in the online guest book at www.GilliesFuneralHome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
