Richard Paul Janke

Richard Paul Janke, a man known for this sharp wit, practical skills, and analytical mind, passed away peacefully due to natural causes on February 29, 2024 at the age of 91.
Born on February 22, 1933 the youngest of three siblings, he grew up in Jackson Michigan. Growing up in a sports family, he played baseball, football and basketball in high school.
His passion for sports lead him to Western Michigan University where he continued his athletic pursuits. There he obtained a degree in education and met his future wife Nancy. Together, Richard and Nancy raised three children.
His educational career led him to Cadillac and later Grand Rapids where he taught high school and worked in counseling, retiring from Grand Rapids Community College in 1993.
After retiring he moved to Big Whitefish Lake and later Rockford where he remained until his passing in 2024. In Rockford, he became a member of Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church where he regularly attended services in person and virtually.
Richard loved to travel, completing several Elderhostel's throughout the world with Nancy following retirement.
A man of many talents, he developed a number of passions over his lifetime including woodworking and Nantucket basket weaving. He also loved the western US, notably the Yellowstone/Grand Teton area of Wyoming, an area he returned to several times during his lifetime. There he enjoyed fishing, camping and sightseeing.
Richard also remained an avid sports fan throughout his life following many teams, most notably the University of Michigan.
Richard is survived by his, son Jeffery and his wife Kathy, daughter Jane and her husband Douglas and son Jim.
He was preceded in death on December 25, 2014 by his wife of 58 years, Nancy Janke and his parents.
Funeral services for Richard will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, March 8, 2014 at the Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe St., Rockford, MI 49341.
Richard's family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 am until the time of services Friday at the funeral home.
Interment will take place at Rosedale Memorial Gardens.
Richard's family welcomes messages and memories in their online guestbook at www.pedersonfuneralhome.com.