Curtis Justin Janke

Funeral services for Curtis Justin Janke 79, of Temple, will be held at 10 am Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at the Saint John Lutheran Church in Bartlett, Texas, with a burial immediately following the service at the Saint John Lutheran cemetery. A visitation will be held from 5 pm to 8 pm Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at Young's Daughters Funeral Home & Bereavement Center in Temple, Texas.

 

Curtis Justin Janke, 79, was called to his eternal resting place Thursday, August 18, 2023, at the hospital surrounded by his children and family.

Curtis possessed a good-natured personality that drew people to him. He had a talent for charming those around him with his wit and sense of humor, earning a reputation as a jokester among his family and friends.

Curtis attended Sharp and Holland schools. In May of 1962, Curtis proudly enlisted in the United States Navy as a deckhand while stationed at the U.S. Navel Station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. During his service, he was deployed on the USS Saratoga (CVA-60) and later served at Quantico Marine Base in Virginia as a Boatswain's Mate. His responsibilities included navigation boats for senior members up and down the river. A role he proudly served.

Curtis was a man of many talents and held various positions throughout his career. From 1969 to 1979, he worked as a supervisor machinist at WKM in Missouri City, Texas. Later, he joined the Texas Utilities in Rockdale, Texas, where he made significant contributions for several years. Curtis also worked for Zachary Construction, IGC, and Alcoa all in Rockdale, Texas. Finally, he worked as a foreman at the TXU powerplant until his retirement. After retirement Curtis continued to farm his land. Curtis was known as a skilled craftsman and a Mr. Fix-it, who could fix almost anything.

Aside from his professional achievements, Curtis had various hobbies that brought him immense joy. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether it be camping at the lake or just spending time on his farm. His favorite inside hobby was the Casino, where he loved the one arm bandit and blackjack. Curtis also loved watching the Price is Right and Western movies, favorites of his included "Gunsmoke" and "Big Valley". He found much enjoyment on his fish camp trips with his children, shrimping with his brother along the coast. He was an avid hunter who cherished moments in the deer stand with his grandchildren. He also participated in barbeque cook-offs with his son and daughter in law and had many trophies to show.

Outside of his work and hobbies, Curtis deeply valued the time spent with loved ones. Family meant the world to him. One of his proudest accomplishments was his son Randall Janke and his daughter Darla Janke Lesikar. He adored his seven grandchildren: Logan Tucker, Kagan Menville, Zachary Janke, Ledgen Powell, Lauren Janke, Allison Janke and Joshua Lesikar; as well as his four great-grandchildren; Ian Simar, Emmarie Tucker, Breckston and Bridges Menville. The love and joy they brought him was immeasurable.

Curtis faced health challenges in recent years after being diagnosed with tongue cancer in 2022. Despite putting up a brave fight against the illness, it unfortunately spread throughout his body in June 2023, leading to his passing. Throughout this difficult journey, Curtis demonstrated incredible resilience and strength.

Curtis Janke is preceded in death by his parents Walter Janke Sr. and Ira Mae (Kelm) Janke, his brothers Pete Janke, Larry Janke, Jim Janke, Walter Jr Janke and Carroll Janke. He is survived by his children Randall Janke (Mary Ann) of Temple, Tx, Darla Lesikar (Shane) of Lake Carles La. His seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, two brothers Donald Janke (Ann) of Taylor,
Robert Janke (Jeanette) of Seabrook Tx., and his four sisters, Janet Jones (Bob)of Montgomery Tx., Tricia Henry (Bill) of Anderson Tx, Anita Howell of Burnet Tx, and Sandra Garrett of Georgetown Tx., his very special niece Cindy Morgan of Temple who helped take care of him throughout his illness. Along with so many other nieces and nephews'.

Curtis Justin Janke was a Christian man who leaves behind a legacy of hard work, laughter, and love. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his cherished memories provide comfort in those he left behind.