Joseph J. Kahnke

Joe Kahnke passed away peacefully at Progressive Care Center on March 12, 2024. He had his 5th heart attack while attending mass at St. Michael's Church in Canon City on March 3rd. He was born to Hilda and Joseph A. Kahnke in Redwood Falls, MN. He began working on the family farm at age 10. His formal education was 8 years in a 1 room school after which time his father needed him on the farm to help support his family. He and his family received awards for conservation and farming. Joe was a man of many talents and would later go on to attend the Utilities Institute of Engineering in Chicago to further his education in his chosen field. In 1960, Joe married the love of his life, Bonnie Domeier. To this blessed union were born Mary Colleen, Michael Joseph, Kathy Rose and Daniel John. Welcomed later were grandchildren, Sarah, Ryan, Kylie, Griffin, Lilly, Bailey, Lindsay, Tyler, Shana, Nicole, Rose and Jessie. Ten great grandchildren followed. After marriage, the couple farmed 18 more years in Minnesota. During those years, Joe was able to use his skills in designing and engineering to create useful items from tools to truck boxes. He must have logged a million miles driving semis across the United States. He was an excellent truck driver and he taught many people how to drive trucks and operate equipment. He won awards and trips for his salesmanship abilities. He and his brothers even built a tractor to the amazement of the neighborhood and people near and far. His inventions are still being put to good use across the county. He never obtained patents as he thought they were too costly and often copied by others. He helped to build a Catholic school in Minnesota by hauling beautiful granite for the structure. He wanted his children to receive the best education. In 1978, the family moved to Colorado and purchased 23 acres of bare land in Penrose where they worked hard to develop a business they proudly called Penrose Manufacturing, Inc. There Joe was again able to use his remarkable skills to provide for the needs of the community, especially farmers and ranchers. He loved meeting new customers and helping them purchase just the right truck, tractor, attachments or equipment to fit their needs. It made him so happy to see people doing well and enjoying their purchases. He was always ready to provide services or make modifications as required. After serving in the Army National Guard for 7 years, he was honorably discharged as SGT E-5. Joe was a member of St. Michael's church for over 45 years and dearly loved his faith community. He served on the parish counsel and hospitality ministry and was a faithful member of the Knights of Columbus most of his life. He was always willing to lend a helping hand whether physical or financial. Joe was completely devoted to God, his wife, family and extended family. He was kind, generous and strong with a heart of gold. He was compassionate to those who suffered, and prayed earnestly and often with all who were open and willing to pray. He just loved people and had a childlike enthusiasm to make their lives easier. He is survived by his wife of 63 years. Four children, 13 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, sister Yvonne (Richard) Nachreiner, brothers Dennis (Kathy) Kahnke, David Kahnke, sisters-in-law, Grace Klingsporrn, Phyllis Peterson, brothers-in-law, Jack (Mary) Domeier, Dennis (Audrey) Domeier, numerous nieces nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by his parents, brother Gordon and parents-in-law, Mary and Frank Domeier. He will be greatly missed and forever loved. Blessed be his memory.
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