Gerald Dean Janke

March 7, 1941 – April 2, 2023

Gerald Dean Janke (Jerry) peacefully passed away April 2, 2023, with his entire family surrounding Dad.

Jerry was born March 7, 1941 in Ronan, Montana to Samuel and Emma Janke. Jerry’s parents passed away while Jerry was very young, 4-6 years old. To keep the family together as Jerry’s parents would wish, Jerry’s brother Richard and sister-in-law Irene adopted him.

At a very young age Jerry helped the family on the farm, raising crops and herding and milking cows to provide for the family. In Jerry’s junior year he moved to California to live with his brother Idol Pete Janke. That is where Dad learned to box. His brother was a professional boxer.

After graduation from high school Jerry enlisted in the United States Navy. During Dad’s time in the Navy he served as a radioman. Of course, being a sailor, trouble always follows!

Jerry got into some trouble. His captain said either spend time in jail or join the base boxing team. Jerry smartly joined the boxing team. Jerry quickly became a Golden Gloves boxing champion. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, Jerry married the love of his life Melba Ann Frazee on April 22, 1967. The beautiful couple then moves to Moses Lake, Washington. Jerry took a job at Simplot cleaning up around the plant. After hard work he moved up to become the plant manager. He was given a service watch from Mr. J.R. Simplot himself.

After years Jerry moved on from Simplot and was instrumental in helping two crop dusters get their businesses well established.

Jerry was then asked to come to work for the Grant County Noxious Weed Control Board. Jerry started out as an inspector and yet again moved into the seat of coordinator. Jerry retired after 27 years of service.

Jerry was always about supporting youth. He started coaching Pony League baseball. Jerry had many successful years. After retiring from coaching baseball Jerry again wanted to support youth in Moses Lake. Dad tried to start youth boxing but he couldn’t afford it.

Jerry then looked into youth wrestling and started with help. After a few years of the wrestling club, other personnel took it over. Jerry heard shortly after that the school district was having a hard time putting together a high school football chain crew. Jerry took that over and ran it for years, not missing one game.

Wrestling season was Dad’s favorite. Jerry showed up for one match and they didn’t have an announcer. For so many years after that Dad was the “voice” at Moses Lake wrestling matches and tournaments.

Dad had a never-ending love for Jesus and Immanuel Lutheran Church. We would like to graciously thank all our family and friends through Jerry’s passing. You all are a blessing and example that Jerry taught us how we support each other. God bless you all. Jerry was preceded in death by many brothers and sisters.

Jerry is survived by his beautiful and loving wife Melba; sons and families Jeff (Andrea) Janke, Matt (Jamie) Janke and Mark (Amy) Janke; and grandkids Carson Janke, Savanna Janke, Taryn Janke, Samuel Janke, Ryder Janke and Daymen Blankenship.

Celebration of life will be held June 10, 2023, at Zamora Park in Moses Lake at 2 p.m.