Carl E. Jahnke, age 90 of the Town of Wescott, passed away on Sunday, June 11, 2017 with his family by his side.
Carl was born on November 13, 1926 in Crandon, Wisconsin, a son of the late Ernest and Caroline (Frailing) Jahnke. Upon graduating from high school, Carl entered the United States Army, serving in WWII from 1944 to 1946. While in the service he earned the rank of Sergeant. In 2013 Carl completed his final mission when he went on the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. Upon returning from the United States Army, he was employed by the United States Postal Service for 27 years. On October 2, 1949 Carl was united in marriage to the former Mary Vomastic at St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano.
The couple loved traveling. When the children were younger the family went on many camping trips. Carl encouraged his children to get involved in scouting and 4H. Upon retiring in 1991, Carl and Mary spent winters in Arizona before becoming “Winter Texans”. They would spend three months every winter in Texas. Carl’s mindset was always serving others. He was an active member of St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano where he served on the Finance Committee as well as with the Orphan Grain Train.
Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Mary; his children, Paul (Carolyn) Jahnke of Germantown, Peggy (Richard) Zoeller of Clintonville, Todd (Kim) Jahnke of Shawano, and Toby (Amy) Jahnke of Elkhart Lake; ten grandchildren, David Jahnke, Julie (Travis) Babich, Jacob (Amy) Hertz, Jessica (Chad) Betz, Zachary (Andrea) Zoeller, Wesley Jahnke, Rochelle Jahnke, Taylor Jahnke, Garrett Jahnke, and Riley Jahnke; five great-grandchildren, Jayden, Rya, Alexa, Jaclyn, and Joelle; his brother Lloyd (Ruth) Jahnke of Texas; his sister, Carol (Ed) Schaeffer; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Carl E. Jahnke will be held on Friday, June 16, 2017 at 11:00 AM at St. James Lutheran Church of Shawano. Pastor Vilas Mazemke will officiate. Interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery. Full military honors will be conducted by Shawano AmVets Post 10. Relatives and friends may call at St. James on Friday from 9:00 AM until the hour of service.