Junior Louis Jahnke passed away peacefully on Sunday November 7, 2021, at the age of 91.  Junior was born on July 13, 1930, in Shawano to the late Emil and Rose (Hoffmier) Jahnke.  July 13 ^th was also the birthday of his dad Emil which led to his name Junior.

Junior married the love of his life, Phyllis Laehn, on October 22, 1955, and they were happily married for 64 years until her passing on April 21, 2020.  They are survived by their children, Kevin (Nancy), Jeff (Lori Hans), Laurie Van Asten (Joseph Dwyer), and Tim (Kris).  He is also survived by his grandchildren Abby Rogers (Josh), Arik Van Asten, Benjamin Jahnke, Shelby Hans, and Casey Hans and his great granddaughter Daphne Rogers.  He is also survived by sister-in-law Norella (Lolly) Jahnke, brother-in-law Dick Laehn, & sisters-in-law Sandy & Diana (Dixie) Laehn, as well as many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Donald Jahnke.

Junior graduated from Shawano High School in 1948 and then worked on a local farm until he enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 1951.  Junior was a proud Korean war veteran and received the Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars.  He was also a member of the Shawano VFW.

After the war Junior began his career at the Shawano Municipal Utility in 1956 and worked there for 32 years until his retirement in 1988.  He continued to serve SMU as a Utility Commissioner for 15 years.  He also served on the Shawano Ethics Board, the Board of Review and on the Board of Badger Power.

He loved to hunt and fish and bought a plot of 40 acres west of Shawano in 1985 where he built a cabin for hunting.  He & his good friend Dick DeRoach made the best maple syrup out at the 40.  He & Phyllis camped with their group of camping buddies on Lake Nokomis near Tomahawk for many years.  Those were great times with great friends.

Junior was very handy and he & Phyllis built 4 homes in the Shawano area over the years.  He enjoyed life with his family & friends and was happiest being a husband, father, and grandfather.

The family thanks the staff at The Cottages, The Shawano Place, and Heartland Hospice Care for their loving care and support over the years and in these final weeks.

A memorial service for Junior & Phyllis will be held Friday, November 19 ^th at 2:30 pm at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano.  Visitation will begin at the funeral home at 1:00 pm and continue until the time of the service.  Due to the COVID 19 threat, the family asks that you use your best judgement to protect yourself and others, (if you are not vaccinated, please wear a mask.). The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please donate to the local Shawano Food bank.