Robert A. Jahnke, age 75, of Marion passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at St. Joseph Residence, New London.
Robert Alvin Jahnke was born on June 13, 1939 in Milwaukee to Alvin and Birdell (Lohr) Jahnke. After graduating from South Pulaski High School in 1957 he entered the U.S. Navy. Bob served in the Navy until 1959 and then went on to UW Milwaukee for general courses and then to Police Academy School in Milwaukee, graduating in 1964. He was united in marriage on January 27, 1962 to Yvonne R. Freeland in Milwaukee. Bob began his career as a police officer in Whitefish Bay working there for his first four years. The couple moved to Marion in 1968 and he started with the Marion Police Department. Bob proudly served the City of Marion for over 30 years and during this time was Police Chief for a large part of it, retiring in 2001. To keep busy during his spare time, Bob also installed carpet for countless people in homes in the Marion area. He was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, volunteered as a Marion Lions Club member, and was involved with the Waupaca County Police Chief Association. Bob liked hunting, fishing, and being outdoors whenever possible. He especially enjoyed hunting for deer, rabbits, and birds and he even raised beagles to help with rabbit hunting. His other passion was fishing, whether it was for bass, trout, or anything else that he could catch from his canoe. Bob will be remembered most as a devoted husband, a wonderful father and grandfather who loved to spend time with his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Yvonne; three sons, Rick (Debbie) Jahnke of Marion, Randy (Suzanne) Jahnke of Plainfield, IL, and Robert (Vickie) Jahnke of North Fond du Lac; and nine grandchildren: Joel, Nicole “Nikki”, Tyler, Kayla, Allie, Jessica, Brandon, Brittany, and Brian. There are two sisters, Marian Drake of Port St. Lucie, FL, and Lois Howerton of W. Palm Beach, FL. He is further survived by a brother-in-law, Robert Turnquist of Germantown, and many other relatives and friends. Bob is preceded in death by his parents, a daughter-in-law, Jennifer; a sister, Karen Turnquist, and two brothers-in-law, Lew Drake and Bill Howerton.
Memorial Service will be held on Monday, April 6th at 4:00 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 318 E. Garfield Ave., Marion. Rev. Bradley Dokken will officiate and inurnment will be at a later date at Greenleaf Cemetery, Marion. Military Honors will be provided by members of the American Legion Post #198 of Marion. Friends may call on Monday from 2:00 p.m. until time of service at the church. The Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Marion, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. John’s Lutheran Church – Roof Fund or to the Marion Pond Association. The family wishes to thank all the nurses and staff at St. Joseph Residence for the excellent care and compassion given to Bob during his stay there.