Gerald M. Jahnke, son of Louis Carl Albert and Gertrude Irene Adele (nee Miller) Jahnke, was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in West Point, Nebraska on August 28, 1935. He was baptized into Christ on the day of his birth by Rev. Erich Oelschlaeger. He attended grade school at Zion Lutheran School, rural Bancroft, Nebraska. Catechized by Rev. A. Ira Grimm, he made public confession of his faith in Jesus in the Rite of Confirmation also at Zion Lutheran Church, Bancroft, Nebraska. His confirmation memory verse was John 8:31-32 “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” He then attended West Point High School subsequently graduating in May 1953.
After graduation, he worked for Bill Blieimeister Service Station and Bill Druhe Service Station.
He was united in Holy Marriage to Luella Ann Schuette at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Hooper, Nebraska on March 17, 1957 by Rev. Earnest E. Eckhardt. To this union, two children were born, Randy in 1958 and Deb in 1966. Gerald and Luella were united together in holy marriage for 65 years, one month short of 66 years.
Gerald’s father entered glory unexpectedly on October 13, 1957. It was then that Gerald began his farming career to care of his family. He farmed continually until he was 82. In order to provide for family and farm, he also worked other full time jobs. Mostly it involved truck driving doing tank wagon delivery for Nielsen Oil. He later became a “Big Rig” driver hauling cattle for Doescher Transfer and others. He became an over the road driver for Crete Carrier and also owned and operated his own tractor. While over the road, for a million plus miles, he carried pictures of his family. Up to his departure from us, while still able, he could recall the detail of roads, places, and his travels.
Beside his love and care for family, he loved the skies. Gerald became a pilot in 1960, learning to fly in a J-3 Cub. He owned a variety of planes from the J-3 Cub, a Taylor Craft, a Piper Aircraft (PA-12), his first Cessna 150, a Cessna 172, a Cherokee 180, a Piper PA-28 Tri-Pacer, a Cessna 150, selling both the Tri-Pacer and 150, then subsequently owning a Kolb Ultra Lite before re-buying a Cessna 150 which he previously owned. He resold his last beloved aircraft, a Cessna 150, the week after his cancer diagnosis. During those years, he studied and flew with Kerry Boltinghouse as instructor, eventually attaining his instrument rating. He was very proud of having his pilot license (Private Pilot ASEL with an Instrument rating) for so many years as well as attaining an instrument rating.
Gerald was always a hard worker, hence so many tributes among the music jams he loved in Arizona to the “Workin Man” by Merle Haggard. He could repair most all his machinery on the farm, always proud to be a steward of the land improving the land and growing crops. He remodeled a house taking it down to its frame and doing much of the building on his own. He was a good husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa and a neighbor to help as needed when he could. He could often be seen with a smile on his face.
He enjoyed retirement in Arizona, where among other things, he enjoyed a music jam session 5 days each week. He met many wonderful musicians and enjoyed their friendship.
He was diagnosed with cancer on the evening of December 23, 2022. Given a very short time of potential life, he did as always, pressing on with determination until he could do so no longer.
He departed life with us on February 15, 2023 into the arms of Jesus. He had reached the age of 87 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Gertrude, parents-in-law William and Esther Schuette, a brother-in-law, Kenneth Schuette, a sister-in-law, Virgene (Legband) Schuette, and his Yorkie, Micky.
He is survived by his wife, Luella; his children, Randy (Barb) Jahnke and Deb (Curtis) Lubker. Grand-Children; Joshua (Elizabeth) Jahnke, Jennifer (Carlos) Rodriquez, Judi (Justin) Maphet, Austin Lubker, Tyler Lubker; Great-Grandchildren Ryan Jahnke, Dylan Jahnke, Zizi Rodriquez Hunter Maphet, and twins Mauricio and Nayeli Rodriquez. He is also survived by Brothers-in-law Larry (Kay) Schuette, Leon Schuette, Delbert (Sally) Schuette; Sisters-in-law Joyce Schuette, Linda Schuette; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
After his death, cremation has occurred. There is no visitation scheduled. Please feel free to visit with Luella at any time. A family ceremony will take place on June 10, 2023 with Rev. John Gierke and Rev. Randy Jahnke officiating. Burial will be at a later date.
