Gerald James “Zeke” Jahnke, 77, of Shawano, passed away Friday, March 28, 2014, at Shawano Medical Center. Born on Dec. 2, 1936, in Shawano, he was the son of the late Kristoff and Pauline (Hoffmeier) Jahnke.
Upon turning 18, Zeke enlisted with the United States Navy and proudly served his country for nearly three years during the Korean Conflict. After service, he owned an A&W stand in Montana. He later worked for Harley Davidson in Milwaukee, where he met his future wife, Helen Rattenbach. The couple was married on Nov. 28, 1959, in Hartford. Zeke also worked for Weber’s, 4-Wheel Drive in Clintonville and for the Labor Union. In his free time, he was active with the Wolf River Carvers.
Gerald is survived by his wife of 54 years, Helen; three children, Toni Jo Jahnke, Bobbi Sue Luedtke, Amy Lynn (Tony) Stuewer; seven grandchildren, Jesse (Abe) Lundt, Janet Pericak, Angelia (Chris) Luedtke, Amanda Luedtke, Robin Luedtke, Erik (Nasiya) Stuewer, Erin Stuewer; nine great-grandchildren, Eve, Leigh and Sara Lundt, Kristina Bessette, Zoeie Luedtke, Alize and Alisa Luedtke, Sklyer Luedtke, Mason Stuewer; a sister, Edna Gipp; and a sister-in-law, Marjorie Margelowsky.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2014, at the Peace United Church of Christ in Shawano with the Rev. Marty Black officiating. Inurnment will be in the Union Cemetery in Slinger. Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday from 2 p.m. until the time of the service.
Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano is assisting the family with the arrangements.
www.swedbergfuneralhome.com
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