AOC Paul Martin Janke, NAVY (Ret)

Paul Martin Janke, 82, passed peacefully in his sleep at his home on Sunday, November 5, 2023. He was born to Carl and Myrtle Janke in Hennepin, Minnesota on January 22, 1941. 

Paul graduated from Mound High School in 1959. He was described by his classmates as carefree, confident, cool, clever, charming, and attractive. He was popular and all of the girls wanted to date him and they all referred to him as Pauly. During his high school years he worked as a caddy at a local golf course, and he continued with that until he enlisted in the Navy after graduation. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War where he served four tours of duty building bombs on ships. For his service, he was issued the Navy Unit Commendation. He attained the rank of Aviation Ordnanceman Chief Petty Officer, and after 23 years of service was honorably discharged for retirement. Paul then began a career at Ryder where he became a master mechanic and also later retired. 

His woodworking skills were second to none. If you asked him to make something for you, you would get put on his list of things that needed to be made, he would make it and you would know that it was perfect because it wasn’t done unless it was exquisite. You could also always count on him to check on the piece for it to continue to be perfect because if not, away it went back to his workshop. 

Paul passionately loved his wife, Maureen, of 28 years. He also loved the family and friends in his life dearly and enjoyed his grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Janke; sisters: Doris, Carol Fike, and Sharon Ockwig; son, Bruce Janke; and grandson, Nathaniel Smith. Paul is survived by his wife, Maureen “Mo” Janke; brothers, Richard and Carl; sister, Patricia Ockwig; children: Tina (Jim) Brooks, Brenda (Steve) Bechard, David (Lisa) Janke, Kelly Hood (David Kronstrand), Jack (Jennifer) Heikle, Patrick (Tiffany) Heikle, Jillian (Mario) Marin III; grandchildren: Jeff, Kristie, Richie, Brianna, Alyssa, Daniel, Gregory, Stephanie, Brooke, Nicole, Jake, Own, Bradley, Dylan, Jayden, Rio Marin IV, Jack Thomas Heikle, and Sophia Heikle; and great grandchildren: Cami, Delaney, Hayden, Rhett, Alli, Wesley, Riddle, Emma, and Lexie.

Please visit Paul's tribute wall and share a memory with the family.