Lt. Joshua J. Jahnke

HUDSON, Mass. -- Joshua J. Jahnke, 29, formerly of Pensacola, Fla., and Methuen, and a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, died April 28, 2010 at his home after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Lt. Jahnke was born in Kissimmee, Fla., to Jeffrey J. and Marie T. (Green) Jahnke and lived in Methuen and later Pensacola, Fla. He was a 1998 graduate of Pensacola Christian Academy. He later attended Pensacola Christian College, received a bachelor of science degree in mathematics with a minor in law from the University of West Florida in 2003, and a master's degree in business administration from Charleston Southern University in 2008.

Lt. Jahnke received a direct commission in the Navy and served as a mathematics and reactor plant technology instructor. He was assigned to Nuclear Field "A" School and served as the Mathematics Division director and command training evaluator.

From May 2008 to February 2010, he attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology and received a master's degree in naval architecture and a marine engineering degree. He was authorized to wear the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal and several other awards.

Family includes his wife of five years, Tricia L. (Geyer) Jahnke of Hudson; two daughters, Grace Marie and Juliana Laree Jahnke; his parents of Derry, N.H.; a sister, Jessica L. Phillips of Ankeny, Iowa; and his many cousins and friends.

SERVICES: Calling hours are Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at Tighe-Hamilton Funeral Home, Inc. 50 Central St., Hudson. A funeral with full military honors is Monday at 11 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church, 353 River Road, Hudson. Burial will be in Forestvale Cemetery, Hudson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Lt. Josh Jahnke Children's Memorial Fund, C/O Avidia Bank, 42 Main St., Hudson MA 01749. For more information go to www.tighehamilton.com.