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

Published 8:39 am Thursday, April 22, 2010

Art’s life began on Oct. 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 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. Art passed away at his home on Tuesday, April 20, 2010.

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 and 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.