Larry Lee Janke

Larry L. Janke, 66, of St. Joseph, MI passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at Lakeland Medical Center St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00 P.M., Saturday, June 27, 2015 at St. Joseph First United Methodist Church, 2950 Lakeview Ave., St. Joseph with Rev. Harris Hoekwater officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph First United Methodist Church. Those wishing to sign Larry’s guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Larry was born October 4, 1948 in Berrien Springs, MI on a farm to Adolph & Elsie (Letke) Janke. He was a graduate of Berrien Springs High School in 1966 and went on to attend Michigan State University where he received a Bachelors in Packaging Engineering. Larry proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserves until he was honorably discharged in 1976. On December 8, 1979 he wed Susan Stewart in Watervliet, MI.  He worked at Whirlpool as an engineer at the Tech Center for 26 years before retiring. Larry was an avid hunter, outdoorsman, and was a very active member of the Berrien County Sportsman Club where he was the Archery Chairman.  He was also an active member of the First United Methodist Church.  Larry loved his family and was proud to be a grandpa.  He was a great handyman, repairman, and was always helping others.  Larry’s last wish was to be an organ and tissue donor, upon his passing he was able to fulfill his wish and help the lives of 75 others through this process. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years Susan of St. Joseph; daughter Diana (Matthew) Newberry of Solon, OH; granddaughter Melanie and second granddaughter on the way; sisters Joyce (Robert) Bucholtz of St. Joseph and Shirley Warren of Coloma and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and step-mother Chloa and brother in law Richard Warren.