Obituary for Donald Roy Jahnke
Iron Mountain – Donald R. Jahnke, (Don Juan) 65, of Iron Mountain, Mich., previously Milwaukee, Wisc., went to his forever home to our Lord in heaven on Monday, February 27, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loved ones.
Donald was born on January 19, 1958, in Milwaukee, Wisc., to the late Herbert and Florence (Krupnick) Jahnke.
Donald grew up in Milwaukee, Wisc., where he attended Boys Technical and Trade and graduated from Iron Mountain Senior High School.
Donald and his wife of 35 years shared a fulfilling, loving life together along with their three children. Donald was a man of God, who led his family in faith. His children were his whole world, who he loved unconditionally, each holding a special place in his heart. Donald was the true definition of a family man, the minute he arrived home from work he was the best husband and father one could ever be. Donald's grandchildren were his pride and joy and being blessed with the title "Papa", was by far his favorite. He was dedicated to every birthday, holiday, sport events and school functions. He enjoyed watching his pro league sports, a lifelong true fan of all Wisconsin teams. An outdoorsman who loved to hunt and would be out fishing any chance he had. Donald was the family mechanic whose knowledge was first to seek out and would be the one who could fix anything. Donald held pride in his passion for cooking and was known by many for always being amazingly good. He could always be found in the kitchen making a meal, his oldies playing on the radio, and a cup of coffee on hand. Donald had a personality like no other, his kind eyes and genuine smile was contagious. He would talk to everyone he came across, sharing his many stories and always cracking jokes making others laugh. He loved to embarrass his wife when they went shopping, always goofing around with employees who eventually knew him by name, and chasing her down the aisle yelling silly comments as she ran away for all to hear was his entertainment. Wherever he was he had no shame in busting a move to a good song that came on. Donald was known as the animal whisperer in the family as all pets chose him as their go-to human, constantly following wherever he went. Donald was the kind of man who would give his last to those who were struggling. When company was visiting his home, he made sure they were fed, left with full stomachs and food to take home with them. Donald was an incredible man who touched the lives of many. His family, deeply feeling his loss will forever love him, holding onto the memories close within their hearts, he will be greatly missed every day forward.
He is survived by his wife, Janice (Lewandowski) Jahnke; daughters, Shanell and Kayla Jahnke; son, Casey Jahnke; brothers, Ronald (Traci) Jahnke and Thomas Jahnke; sisters, Linda (Ron) Yunk and Diane (Doug) Frump; grandchildren, Aidan Frappier, Addisyn Jahnke, Alec Jahnke-Goad, and Ace Jahnke-Goad; many nieces and nephews, and dear friend Bob Anderson.
In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his brother, Dale Jahnke.
In accordance with Donald’s wishes, private family services will be held. A celebration of life will be provided by the family at a later date.
You may leave a condolence for the family at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com
The family has chosen Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Iron Mountain, Mich., to honor Donald’s legacy of life.
Donald was born on January 19, 1958, in Milwaukee, Wisc., to the late Herbert and Florence (Krupnick) Jahnke.
Donald grew up in Milwaukee, Wisc., where he attended Boys Technical and Trade and graduated from Iron Mountain Senior High School.
Donald and his wife of 35 years shared a fulfilling, loving life together along with their three children. Donald was a man of God, who led his family in faith. His children were his whole world, who he loved unconditionally, each holding a special place in his heart. Donald was the true definition of a family man, the minute he arrived home from work he was the best husband and father one could ever be. Donald's grandchildren were his pride and joy and being blessed with the title "Papa", was by far his favorite. He was dedicated to every birthday, holiday, sport events and school functions. He enjoyed watching his pro league sports, a lifelong true fan of all Wisconsin teams. An outdoorsman who loved to hunt and would be out fishing any chance he had. Donald was the family mechanic whose knowledge was first to seek out and would be the one who could fix anything. Donald held pride in his passion for cooking and was known by many for always being amazingly good. He could always be found in the kitchen making a meal, his oldies playing on the radio, and a cup of coffee on hand. Donald had a personality like no other, his kind eyes and genuine smile was contagious. He would talk to everyone he came across, sharing his many stories and always cracking jokes making others laugh. He loved to embarrass his wife when they went shopping, always goofing around with employees who eventually knew him by name, and chasing her down the aisle yelling silly comments as she ran away for all to hear was his entertainment. Wherever he was he had no shame in busting a move to a good song that came on. Donald was known as the animal whisperer in the family as all pets chose him as their go-to human, constantly following wherever he went. Donald was the kind of man who would give his last to those who were struggling. When company was visiting his home, he made sure they were fed, left with full stomachs and food to take home with them. Donald was an incredible man who touched the lives of many. His family, deeply feeling his loss will forever love him, holding onto the memories close within their hearts, he will be greatly missed every day forward.
He is survived by his wife, Janice (Lewandowski) Jahnke; daughters, Shanell and Kayla Jahnke; son, Casey Jahnke; brothers, Ronald (Traci) Jahnke and Thomas Jahnke; sisters, Linda (Ron) Yunk and Diane (Doug) Frump; grandchildren, Aidan Frappier, Addisyn Jahnke, Alec Jahnke-Goad, and Ace Jahnke-Goad; many nieces and nephews, and dear friend Bob Anderson.
In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his brother, Dale Jahnke.
In accordance with Donald’s wishes, private family services will be held. A celebration of life will be provided by the family at a later date.
You may leave a condolence for the family at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com
The family has chosen Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Iron Mountain, Mich., to honor Donald’s legacy of life.