Arthur E. Janke, 79 / Oct. 9, 1930 – April 20, 2010

Published 9:01 am Thursday, April 22, 2010

Art E. Janke, 79, of Dowagiac passed away at his home on Tuesday April 20, 2010.

Art’s life began on October 9, 1930 in Dowagiac, the son of Ryan and Ida (Huff) Janke. He attended Dowagiac Central High School and was in the class of 1948. Art was united in marriage to the former Sue Ann Gard on May 24, 1953 in Dowagiac.

He was employed for several years with Clark Equipment in Benton Harbor and later for Creative Foam in Dowagiac, retiring as a supervisor. He was an avid fisherman and sportsman. Art was a member of the Dowagiac Moose Lodge and had been active in the Clark Equipment Management Club.

His greatest joy was his family which includes his wife Sue, of Dowagiac; children, Debra (Jim) Johnson, of Dowagiac, David (Anne) Janke, of South Bend, Doug (Jamie) Janke, of Niles and Denise ( Mike ) Clancy, of Berrien Springs; grandchildren, Matthew Johnson, of Holland, Tara (Josh) Bullock, of Niles, Aline (Awan) Smith, of South Bend, Derek  (Ablyn) Janke, of Houston, Texas, Alicia Janke and Amanda Janke, both of Niles, and Michael Clancy of Berrien Springs; great-grandchildren, Katie and Roy Janke and A.J. and Avery Smith; one sister, Dorothy Rupp, of Oxford, Mich.; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by one grandson, Monroe Chester Janke, and niece and godchild Dianna Van Doren.

His family will meet friends on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel, where his funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. led by Pastor John Kasper. He will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the American Cancer Society or the donor’s choice of charity.  Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Art at www.yazel-clark.com.