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Suzanne Janke Obituary
Suzie was born in Anchorage on September 26, 1960 to Joe and Phyllis Janke. She grew up on her parents' homestead on the South Fork of Eagle River and graduated from Chugiak High School in 1978. She entered the construction business right out of high school and had been employed by the State of Alaska Department of Transportation since 1984. She was the State Materials Coordinator for the South Central Region at the time of her death.
Her interests were eclectic, ranging from martial arts to gardening. She was a black belt in Kung Fu San Soo, a die-hard Anchorage Aces fan, a drag racing enthusiast, cat lover, and winner of champion ribbons at the Alaska State Fair for her roses and fuchsias.
Suzie is survived by her husband of 22 years, Craig Otto, daughter Jessica Otto; mother Phyllis Janke; brothers Dan and wife Carmen, Joe and wife Cindy, Max Janke and Tim Hess; sisters Patti Wilson, Margaret Janke and husband Jerry Jacobs; mother-in-law Patti Shockley, and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Cyndi Otto and Ken Langford, Kelli and Kevin Sample, Kim and Brian Horacek. Her grandson, Seption Otto, was her special joy. Aunt Suzie will be greatly missed by her many nieces, nephews, and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph F. Janke, Jr.; brother-in-law, Ted Wilson, and grandfather, Max Foster. Suzie was born on her grandfather's 50th birthday and loved sharing that special day with him for 47 years.
A celebration of life and potluck will be held at Tanglewood Lakes Chalet, 11701 Brayton Drive in Anchorage on Saturday, May 18 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alaska Humane Society or the Alaska Zoo.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Suzanne Janke
May 19, 2013
Craig, I hope the wonderful memories you have of your beautiful wife will carry through these very difficult times. You are in my prayers.
Much love,
Debra B.
Julie Oxford
May 19, 2013
Craig...
My heart is full of sadness with the loss of your beautiful wife. I pray you find comfort in knowing Suzie is going to be your special Angel until you meet again.
Steven Vroman
May 18, 2013
Craig, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Suzie was a wondreful lady...she just had a way of making any day brighter. The trip to Pamona this year just won't be the same without her!!
Dennis Mellinger
May 17, 2013
Craig, Kristin & I were saddened to hear of your loss.
Our prayers are with you.
Dennis & Kristin Mellinger
Eric Thompson
May 15, 2013
Suzie Birdy will miss your true freindship we love you and will never forget you .Craig we are here for you if you need anything as we are sitll in shock but know how much you both loved each other and all that you had for freinds new as well so sorry for all our loss as the world has lost another very good person
jacqueline landeen
May 15, 2013
As an Ajo, Az. friend of Patti Shockley, Craig's mom, I offer empathy for the Otto family and their sudden loss of Suzanne, who appears to have had so much light coming from her beautiful eyes and wide smile.
Jennifer
May 14, 2013
Condolences to the family and the many people who loved her.
Suzie, Alane & Tammy at Chugiak Renunion
Tammy Hutchison (Griffin)
May 13, 2013
Mike & Shannon Gribbon
May 13, 2013
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
May 13, 2013
To the Family: So sorry that you have loss a loved one who really loved life! Please be assured of God's love for you and the fact that He has promised to bring you comfort at this time. Psalm 119:76
T M
May 13, 2013
So very sorry you are gone. Much too young and way too soon.
May 12, 2013
Phyillis, Family I was so sorry to hear about Suzie. I was hoping that no One I know would have to go through the loss of a child of any age So sorry Philis, Bless Your Hearts
May 12, 2013
There is a whole generation of road/airport project engineers, inspectors, office engineers and materials testers that owe their success to the fine mentoring of this fine individual. She owned the five "P" words that sum up the term "Professional": Preparation,Practice, Persistence,Patience,Passion. No brag, just fact. Business always.
You done good Suzie, and made more than one person enjoy their lives just a bit better.
And, during her Memorial, there better be no one referring to her as Suzanne. She'll return with a vengeance and haunt you forever! Just warning you. ;^)
We will be sure to construct a well compacted and graded, well paved, and well documented airport out in Dutch Harbor this season, Suzie. I promise!
We'll see you again in a finely graded D1 sample, in an in-spec pavement sample, a passing density, in well formulated concrete.....
I know you are at peace knowing you were loved and that you loved back; resting however I think not. I sense you are flying around checking things out on another level.
I enjoyed our time together.
Dennis Falldorf
Fuzzy Sprinkle
May 11, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Debbie Stevenson
May 11, 2013
I loved Suzie so very much. I am so very blessed to have known her and share in family events with her. She was always smiling and ready to give a warm hug. I miss her already. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family and friends during this painful time.
Tommy Huttunen
May 10, 2013
Craig, So very sorry for your loss bro. She was a beautiful and awsome lady.
Peggy
May 10, 2013
My heart is broken for you all. May God hold you in his arms and comfort you. Peace and prayers.
Helena Chalifour (Lappo)
May 10, 2013
I was so shocked to see Suzie on facebook. My heart goes out to her family. I know there is nothing I can say that will fill the void you are feeling at this time. But I do want you to know my thoughts and prayers are with the family. She's always been such an enjoyable person. She could light up any room with her bubbly personality. I'm sorry for your loss.
Bobbie Taylor
May 10, 2013
Craig, I'm so sorry to hear about your family's loss. Your in my thoughts and prayers.
John Delaney
May 10, 2013
Phyllis and family, So sorry to hear of your daughter/sibling passing. Your all in my thoughts and prayers.
Terry Barber
May 10, 2013
Craig, it was a pleasure working with you and Susie over the years. She was a very professional women with a great sense of humor around the Central Regional Materials Section. She is and will be missed greatly. May God give you a peace that fills you with His Love now in the future.
Dee Jardine Cohen
May 10, 2013
Sending love and light to friends and family. I found a recipe Suzie gave me for shortbread cookies (in her handwriting). If anyone in her family would like it, I can mail it. I love how she called, what I call shortening, "oleo". :o)
Monika McKenzie
May 10, 2013
Craig -
I know the whole extended family and all the friends will miss Suzie and her love and friendship. She was always one to call on holidays and birthdays, remembering a person no matter how long it had been since they last talked. She was a one of a kind friend. My sincerest condolences to all. She will be sorely missed and was loved by many.
Amanda Vanderwood
May 10, 2013
Suzie being gone is still so unreal and unsettling! She was taken far too young. She was one class act that wasn't done performing. Suzie has left a big hole on this earth! That hole is filling up with good memories and fun times with her. Rest In Peace Suzie.
Deb Hartley-Brady
May 10, 2013
Suze, Your unique, one of a kind character will be missed...but not forgotten
Love to the Janke Clan
Sherry (Conrod) Holliday
May 10, 2013
My thoughts and condolences are with you all.
Cindy & Bryan Yates
May 10, 2013
We are so sorry to hear of your sister's passing Dan and family.
Kristie Belk
May 10, 2013
Dan & Patty, So very sorry to learn of your sister's passing. I remember Suzanne from when we lived below your family in River View Estates on Hiland. She was maybe 14-15 and was referred to as "one of the wild ones". I think she channeled her wild side into a life full of love and great adventures doing just what she wanted and sharing her joys with family and close friends. My deepest sympathy to all and though your hearts are heavy now, may you each find comfort in your own special memories.
May 9, 2013
Our hearts and prayers to all of you Dean,Kathy Robert Fortain
Bryan Davis
May 9, 2013
Craig,
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time
Denise and Jerry Gamble
May 9, 2013
Our deepest sympathies to all of the family members and especially to Craig and Cindy for this sudden loss.
Sallie Perkins
May 9, 2013
So very sorry for your family. Suzie was such a special lady. We will miss her!
Theron "Dave" McGrew
May 9, 2013
It is hard to express the way Sue's passing away affected me. At an age where I am losing friends now and again, I was stunned with how very wrong this is. Sue was just always there. Having been friend's of the family since the mid-60's Sue was always a part of the group. Being 8 years younger than me, she wasn't always in the same room, but always around. Like a ray of sunshine around the edge of a cloud, Sue's smile just brightened the moment. For more than 40 years we would meet briefly and it was just like no time had passed. Sue with her smile, friendly words and good wishes til next time. My heart goes out to Craig, Phyllis, and so many others. A bright light gone too soon. Godspeed Suzanne. RIP, my friend.
Kenny Loescher
May 9, 2013
Craig / All the Family ; I can't help but think " Only The Good Die Young "
All the memories I have of Sue make me SMILE , and yet as I share this thought with you, all I can do is cry .
I can only imagine the feeling of loss you are dealing with . See you at
Tangle woods . Kenny
Jerry & Mandy Hartley
May 9, 2013
Suzie you will be greatly missed, we will no longer be able to look for you at the Aces games, or see you at family gatherings but we will always remember your sweet loving friendship.
The Hartley's love the Janke's
Joanne Wyatt
May 9, 2013
My sympathy goes out to all of Suzanne's family and friends. May she rest in peace!
May 9, 2013
Dear Dan, I am so sorry for the loss of your sister, Suzanne. I think of you all from time to time. Wes (Hammer Construction in the late 80's)
Tania Tieman
May 9, 2013
My heart goes out to Craig and all of you for your loss. Suzie was one of my oldest and best friends. I never forgot her smile, her laughter or her kindness. She will be sorely missed.
You remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Anna Sappah
May 9, 2013
So saddened to hear of Suzie's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to Craig and all the family.
Suzie was always kind, funny and gracious whether at work or at hockey games. It was a pleasure to know her and she will be missed by many.
ashley sollenberger
May 9, 2013
i remember i met suzanne two years ago when she and my old coworker craig otto joined us for a staff dinner. she and otto were one of the most loving couple i ever met. i admired her smile n how she just seemed to glow. i did not know you well. but my heart breaks for you, your friends and family, and my old friend craig otto. i have faith that you will see her again. rest in peace <3
Lynn McCrory
May 9, 2013
Craig,
I am so sorry for your loss. Suzie was a terrific person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Suzie on the job. Glenn Highway, Muldoon to Hiland, 1987
George Brown
May 9, 2013
work in the late 80's
george brown
May 9, 2013
Karen Sundt
May 9, 2013
Thoughts and prayers for everyone who loved Suzie. She was one very special lady and a real class act. The world won't be the same without her. Rest in peace, Suzie!
on the job in the 80's glen highway
May 9, 2013
pretty girl on the job
May 9, 2013
May 9, 2013
wow ,the world lost a great woman ,, our deepest sympathy. our lord needed an angel .. our prayers or going out to the family we are so sorry ,, with love Rick and Kelly Ramert
Jeanie & Jim
May 9, 2013
In loving memory of a truly wonderful lady. Suzie lived a life well lived. We will cherish the memories.
Brenda (Kramp) Bullock
May 9, 2013
So sorry to hear such sad news. My heart goes out to the whole family. Love and miss you Suzie
Nancy Erickson
May 9, 2013
My heart goes out to Suzie's family. The Janke's have been like family to me and my son.
Mareldine Leuer
May 9, 2013
My deepest sympathy to all of Suzie's family. I had several classes with her at Chugiak and graduated the same year. She set an example for those around her and respected everyone. Keep her spirit alive in your hearts! May God comfort you all during your sadness. Mareldine (Hunter)Leuer
Tanya Hidalgo
May 9, 2013
I Will Forever Miss you my best friend
You always put a smile on my face
all I had to do was call you and you would make everything better.
The day that I heard that you were taken from us my heart broke.
I Dropped down to my knees and cried and cried.
All I wanted was for one more day with you
As I sit here looking at your picture all I want to do is hug you and laugh with you. Going to work is hard without you there. I miss you like hell I will never forget you
I love you and miss you, but I know that you're in heaven
looking over all of us.
I can't wait until I get to see you again. I love you
Elaine & Scott Gartin
May 9, 2013
Suzie will be truly missed but now in a much better place.
God Bless her.
Very Proud
Tanya Hidalgo
May 9, 2013
Mike Tucker
May 9, 2013
Craig and family we are so sorry we will miss her so much we love you all god bless
Mike and Jacque and family
Tracy jones
May 9, 2013
Craig, Jessica and family... We are sorry about the passing of Suzie... She was a vibrant, beautiful woman. May peace be with you during this tough time. Tracy Timmerman -Jones
May 9, 2013
Craig, I am so sorry for your loss for you and your family.
It was such a shock!
Jerry M. Harman
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