Gerald Otto Janke

Gerald O. Janke, age 88, passed away Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at MCHS in Bloomer. He was born March 27, 1927 in Eau Claire to Carl and Ella (Miklos) Janke. He married Beverly Woll on May 21, 1949 at Zion Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls. Gerald served in the Navy from June of 1945 to August of 1946 and worked as a carpenter for Charlson’s Construction of Eau Claire. He was a member of the Eagle’s Club in Eau Claire and Nathaniel Lutheran Church in Bruce. Gerald was a master woodworker, building his own homes and cabins. He enjoyed gardening, brewing his own beer and wine, growing and harvesting his own hops and spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife: Beverly of New Auburn; daughter: Becky (Paul) Bertolasi of Winnebago IL; brother: Robert (Sue) Janke of Eau Claire; grandchildren: Carrie (Ander) Smith of Rockford IL, Kimberly (Chad) Bertolasi-May of Spring Grove IL; great-grandchildren: Emma & Ian Smith, Owen and Payton May; numerous other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Carl and Ella Janke; brothers: Howard and Vernon Janke; sisters: Lorraine Carroll and Marion Wesenberg.

Private family services will be held at Spooner Veteran’s Memorial at a later date.