Jerome Janke

Jerome Janke, 83, of Detroit Lakes, MN died peacefully under hospice care at his home on April 10, 2020.

Jerome Leroy Janke was born on May 13, 1936 in Detroit Lakes, MN, the son of the late Julius and Leona (Ready) Janke.  He grew up and attended school in Detroit Lakes.  Jerome worked many years at the Minnkota recycling plant in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Jerome was part of the Special Olympics program. In 1979, he won a gold medal at the Minnesota State Special Olympics in shot put.  He went onto the international Special Olympics in Brockport, NY where he received a silver medal in the softball throw. He was very proud of  his Olympic medals.

Jerome enjoyed playing cards, watching movies, going to the casino, fishing, camping, and spending time with his friends and family.

He is survived by his siblings Julie Harrison of Upper Marlboro, MD, Jeanette (Richard) Gunderson of Grand Forks, ND, Janice (Orvis) Longtine of Lake Park, MN, Jerald Janke of San Antonio, TX, Julian (Connie) Janke of Frazee, MN, Joyce Ellsworth of Fargo, ND, and  Jill (Bill Smith) Hebert of Dumas, TX; many nieces and nephews and extended family.

Jerome is preceded in death by his parents and sister Jane Goble.