Leona Janke, of Dowagiac

Published 10:01 am Thursday, September 3, 2015

Janke Aug. 9, 1931 — Aug. 30, 2015

Leona S. Janke, 84, died Aug. 30, 2015, after an extended illness, peacefully in the bedroom of the farmhouse she loved. She was born Aug. 9, 1931, to Eduard and Olga (Behnke) Schmidt in Dowagiac, Michigan. The eldest child of six, she was raised on her parents’ 380-acre Cass County farm.

Leona Janke

She graduated from Dowagiac High School as valedictorian. She initially attended the University of Michigan to study music but graduated with a B.S. degree in Pharmacy; she worked for many years as a registered pharmacist. In middle age she earned a Master of Arts degree in ceramics from WMU, graduating as a distinguished university scholar. A gifted potter, her clay works and “teapots” were exhibited locally, nationally and internationally. Leona was an avid photographer and volunteered her time to the Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association. She also loved tennis and played competitively for many years.

“Oma” Janke loved bridge and played regularly. Her intellectual interests were broad and included an intense interest in genealogy and European history. She was a life member of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, serving many years on its board of directors. She was also on the board of directors at the Schoolcraft Community Library.

On Sept. 15, 1956 she was married to Dr. Robert A. Janke who survives. She is also survived by four children, Beth, Tom, Ellen and Rob, and by 10 grandchildren. Visitation will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th St. Services will be held Friday, Sept. 4, 2015, at 11 a.m. Zion Lutheran Church, 2122 Bronson Blvd., with Pastor Timothy Seeber, officiating. Private interment in Schoolcraft Cemetery. Please visit Leona’s personalized web page for directions, online guest book or to leave a condolence. www.langelands.com.