John R. Janke

John R. Janke, age 91, a resident of Naperville since 1973 and formerly of Springfield, IL, Medina, OH, and Cleveland, OH, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025. He was born on August 20, 1933 in Chicago, IL.
John is survived by his loving children, Carol Lynn (Kevin) Corrigan, Michael (Vicki) Janke, and Jennifer Ausema Janke, his cherished grandchildren, John Janke, Stephen Janke, Jack Corrigan, Matthew Corrigan, Jeremy Driscoll, his dear sister Jean VenHuizen; as well as many nieces, nephews, and good friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Constance R. Janke, his son, Stephen Brent Janke, his parents, Rudolph and Evelyn Janke, and his brothers Rudy (the late Nola), Dave (Jo), and his sister Doris (the late Slug).
John grew up in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago and graduated from Chicago Christian High School. He attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan and graduated from Chicago Teacher's College. He spent 43 years at AT&T, primarily in sales management, and after retiring he worked for Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, as what he termed as a "utility infielder".
John was a longtime active member of Knox Presbyterian Church. He picked up the game of tennis in his early 20's, and he played regularly – at times obsessively – right up until his 90th birthday. He enjoyed breakfasts at the Lucky Penny Restaurant and competitions of any sort. At home, you could find him playing Trivial Pursuit, Mexican Train, and Rumikub, or perhaps asleep in his chair with a Sox or Cubs game on. John had a big laugh and loved to tell stories. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.
For those who would like to leave a lasting tribute to John's life, memorial donations may be directed to either St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Elim Christian Services, or Wayside Cross Ministries.
Visitation will be Friday, July 25, 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, July 26, 11:00 AM at Knox Presbyterian Church, 1105 Catalpa Lane, Naperville, 60540. There will be visitation with the family ahead of time beginning at 10:15am