Wanda A. Jahnke, 99 years of age, of DeWitt, passed away in Tempe, Arizona, Wednesday, May 11, 2022.
She was born June 27, 1922, near Hollenburg, Kansas, to Henry and Alvina (Luehring) Schierkolk. She was a 1937 graduate of DeWitt High School and attended the former National Business Institute in Lincoln. Wanda and Howard Jahnke were married Oct. 2, 1945, in DeWitt. She had been employed at Petersen Manufacturing, Bank of Swanton, Phillips Petroleum Co. and worked for Farmers Union Co-op from 1970 until retiring in 1988. Wanda was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in DeWitt since 1937, the VFW and American Legion Auxiliary, Saline County Area Transit Board and was a lifetime member of the National Ex-POW of War and Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary organizations. She and Howard enjoyed dancing to polka music almost every weekend in their younger days. She loved playing cards, sewing, quilting, camping and traveling across the United States. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.
Survivors include daughter, Tami Johnson of Chandler, Arizona; five grandchildren,Todd (Carrie) Jahnke, Chad Jahnke, Christopher Jahnke, Amy (Jon) Schroeder and Carly (Hunter) Oliver; eight great-grandchildren; sisters in law, Genial Heist and Pearl Schierkolk; brother-in-law, Robert Litten; and other extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Howard (1997); son, Rick Jahnke; brother, Leroy Schierkolk; and sister, LaVerne Litten.
The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 20, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in DeWitt with interment in the Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery. The body will lie in state from 1 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at the Venrick-Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in DeWitt with the family greeting friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and in state at the church one hour preceding the service on Friday. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Faith Hospice in Arizona with the funeral home in charge. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.ghchapel.com.
