Bruce D. Jahnke

Bruce Douglas Jahnke, age 77, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at home after a long illness. He was born January 7,1947 to the late Floyd Jahnke and Lola J. (Ziegler) Jahnke in Appleton, WI. He married Margaret "Margie" Reitzner on May 20, 1994.
Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Margie; son, Joshua John Jahnke of Hailey, ID (special friend, Lindsey Mitchell). Siblings: Carla Brawner, Green Bay; Mary Gillis Jahnke, Cadott; Kristine (Jeff) Vanden Heuvel, Wausau; Diane Dietzler, Neenah; Randy Jahnke (special friend, Kathy Loiselle), Appleton; Barb (Kevin) Merckx, Kimberly; Ida (Mark) Johnston, Los Altos Hills, CA; Charlie Jahnke (special friend Barb Wavrunek), Kimberly; and Ted Jahnke, Combined Locks; In-Laws: Dick Wunderlich, Appleton; Rich (Colleen) Reitzner, Mount Horeb; Pam Reitzner Holdorf, Appleton; Greg (Terrie) Reitzner, Appleton; Beth (Ron) Van Handel, Greenville; Ed Reitzner, Appleton; Chris (Pam) Reitzner, Appleton; Ann (Jerry) Olsen, Appleton; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and life-long friends.
Bruce is preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Earl Jahnke and Philip Jahnke; sister-in-law, Vickie Wunderlich, and brother-in-law, Arnold Reitzner, Jr.
Bruce grew up on the family farm, graduated from Kimberly Senior High School and went on to various types of employment during his life. But as a boy and young man he learned to work the land and raise livestock - at heart he long had a passion to farm. So, he returned to farming in the latter years of his life – planting, cultivating, harvesting fruits and vegetables, beekeeping and a vendor at the Kaukauna Farmers Market - thoroughly enjoying the work and people there. For many years, he worked alongside Grandpa Jahnke harvesting and selling Christmas trees; eventually carrying on the tradition of "Jahnke's Christmas Trees" and hand-made wreaths until his illness forced that to end. Tree sales ended but the legacy of hand-made wreaths continues with his nephew, Chad Jahnke in Boyd. Bruce made two last trips a couple years ago – one to Boyd to see Chad's "garage" Christmas workshop and a remarkable road trip with Margie to Hailey, ID to see Josh begin his new life. He recently said, "It was a good life."
The family would like to thank the staff of Theda Care Hospice, especially Ben and Carolyn. They also thank Lisa Gunderson, APNP. Their compassionate care was deeply appreciated.
Visitation will be on Friday, September 27, 2024 from 9–11am at First English Lutheran Church, 326 E North St, Appleton. Memorial service will follow at 11am.
Memorials may be sent to the National Scleroderma Foundation or a charity of your liking.