Robert “Bob” Henry Janke passed away Saturday morning, May 17, 2025 at his home surrounded by his beloved family at the age of 95.
Bob was born on June 5, 1929 in the Town of Union. Son of the late F. Louis Janke and Alma (Heideman) Janke. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Symco, WI. Here, he maintained membership throughout the rest of his life and served his congregation in several capacities.
In December 1951, Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in the Korean War. In June of 1953, he was injured in combat and discharged in December of that year. His awards include: the United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with three bronze service stars, National Defense Service Medal, Purple-Heart, and Combat Infantry Badge.
After his honorable discharge, Bob worked briefly at Sturms in Manawa packing butter. In 1954, he was indentured as a journeyman plumber at Iola Plumbing and Heating for two years under the G.I. Bill. In 1956, he passed his test to become a master plumber followed by several years working at Iola Plumbing and Heating. In 1965, he started his own business out of our home in Iola. He enjoyed his life’s work in and around Iola. Bob also worked part time for James Knitt Plumbing in Manawa until he retired.
In 1955, he was married to Patricia J. Fisher at Saint Martin Lutheran Church, Clintonville. He was assisted by his father, brother, and uncle in building a house in Iola. In 1971, a daughter joined the family, and what a joy she brought as she grew up. Joy was always helping her dad and loved to ride the snowmobile with him. The family hosted two exchange students over the years: Anja Schoren from Germany in 1985 and Bjorn Tylen from Sweden in 1986.
Bob enjoyed traveling very much. The Rocky Mountains were a favorite spot for family vacations. Many summers were spent traveling to Colorado to visit Bob’s friend, Victor Winter, as well as trout fishing and sightseeing in the mountains. Other trips enjoyed by the family included: House on the Rock when Joy was six weeks old; Expo 86 in Vancouver, Canada; Europe, including Italy, Switzerland, and France in 1987; visiting Victor and Joan Winter in California as a winter respite; and Panama to visit Joy and her family for Christmas in the ‘90s.
Besides traveling, Bob was an avid fisherman; enjoying many camping and fishing trips with the Frizzells. He loved playing card games with family and friends. He also enjoyed gardening, as well as volunteering at the Norwegian Supper and the Iola Car Show.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years Patricia Janke, daughter Joy Vizzer, grandson Ezekiel Vizzer, brother-in-law Harold Fisher, sisters-in-law Myrene Janke and Mildred Janke, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Bob was preceded in death by parents, F. Louis & Alma Janke; brothers, Louis E., Benjamin, Henry, & Leo Janke; sisters, Adeline Janke & Nora Krueger; brother-in-law, Leland Krueger & sister-in-law, Rosie Janke.
The Janke family wishes to thank ThedaCare At Home Hospice for all the wonderful care provided to Bob during his final days.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at St. Mark Lutheran Church Symco, with Rev. Jeffrey Smiles officiating. Interment will take place at Union Cemetery, Symco with military honors conducted by VFW Post #664, American Legion Post #63, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit #63, all of Clintonville.
Visitation will be held on Thursday at the church from 9:30 AM until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to be directed to the family for a memorial in Bob’s name to be established at a later date.
The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville is assisting the Janke family.
