Richard (Dick) Janke

Richard (Dick) Janke of Moses Lake Washington passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 25th 2014 at the age of 87. Dick was born November 19, 1926 in Golden Valley North Dakota to Sam and Ema (Mai) Janke. The family farmed in various locations in the Flathead Valley of Montana until WW II when they relocated to Napa Valley California. During the war Dick worked in the naval shipyard. It was there he met the love of his life, Irene Smith. Dick and Irene were married August 12, 1945 in Napa and moved to Ronan, Montana where they ran the Janke family farm until 1952.

In 1952 Dick and Irene moved to Kennewick WA where he began a long career in the newspaper business. He worked as a circulation manager in Kennewick and Moses Lake WA, Imperial Valley CA and Coeur d' Alene ID. He is remembered by co-workers and the young newspaper carriers he supervised for his strong work ethic and his ability to teach the value of organization, persistence and problem-solving. He delivered a rural route in Coeur d' Alene for 20 years and was devoted to his customers. Dick and Irene raised their family in several cities in Washington, Montana and California, staying busy with the sports and activities of 7 children.

In 1977 Dick and Irene purchased property in Coeur d' Alene Idaho where they built a home that became the center of family gatherings and memories. He enjoyed fellowship at church, playing golf, bowling, and woodworking. They returned to Moses Lake in 2007. From 2007-2014 Dick and Irene lived at Moses Lake Senior Living Center and Summer Wood Alzheimer's Special Care Center. The family is grateful for the loving care their parents received by the skilled staff at both residences.

Dick is survived by the 7 children he and Irene raised together: Jerry, Sam, Bill, Janice, Jolene, John and Cheryl; 14 grandchildren and many great grandchildren, as well as a sister and two brothers. He was preceded in death by three sisters; a brother, his wife, Irene; and two grandchildren, Brittany and Darrell.

Services and burial will be private.

Contributions in Dick's name can be made to:

Umbrella Ministries P.O. Box 1663 Westminister, CA 92684 www.umbrellaministries.com.