David Janke

David Janke, 89, died peacefully on March 29, 2023 at SMP Health- Ava Maria in Jamestown, ND, under the care of JRMC Hospice.

David Janke was born on May 28, 1933 on the family farm south of Gackle, ND to Christina and Gottfried Janke.  He married LaVerne Bier on October 17, 1953 at the First Congregational Church in Gackle.  Together they had three children, Sandra, Deborah, and Randolph.  They farmed 7 miles south of Gackle for 10 years before moving the family to Jamestown.  There he worked for Schubert’s as a Glazer (glass-cutter).  During that time he also volunteered with the Jamestown Fire Department for roughly 20 years.  After that he opened Janke’s Lock & Key and was a well-known locksmith for many businesses locally for more than 20 years until he retired.  His wife, LaVerne, passed in 1998.  He later married Linda Rehn in Jamestown.

David was a very social person and loved nothing more than to sit and have coffee and visit with his friends.  Over the years he frequented the Pantry Cafe, White Drug Cafe, and later on at Perkins.  He was a lifetime member of the First Congregational Church in Jamestown and was a very active member often singing in the choir.  He was also a member of the German Heritage Society.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Rehn Janke of St. Michaels, MN, his children, Sandra (Gilbert) Sodawasser of Courtenay,  Deborah Wenzel of Jamestown, and Randolph (Judy) Janke of Farmington, MN., his grandchildren, David (Lisa Schulz) Wenzel of Bismarck, Holly (Derrick) Owens of Bismarck, Stacy (Leon) Darby of Jamestown, Jessica Sodawasser Ryan of Longview, TX, Kris (Alexandra) Janke, and Nick (Vanessa) Janke both of Farmington, MN, and 10 great grandchildren with one on the way.

Services will be held at a later date pending snow cover.  Arrangements are being handled at Haut Funeral Home in Jamestown.