1930
Norbert
2011
Norbert Jahnke
March 22, 1930 — April 26, 2011
Norbert David Jahnke, age 81, of Green Lake, WI, passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh, WI.
Norbert “Nubbs” Jahnke was born on the family farm on March 22, 1930, the son of Edward and Florence (Miller) Jahnke. Being the youngest of five children, he had a happy childhood with three sisters to pamper him and one brother to toughen him up. His only fear as a child was watching his father climb the windmill or the silo; that fear of heights lasted until the day he died. This did not stop him from being an adventurist, learning to drive at 14, which was allowed for farm boys in those days, racing stock cars, and battling his fear of heights by learning to fly at 16.
In high school he acted in several plays, which led to his decision to head to New York to study acting at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. His studies were cut short when he was needed on the farm for the summer. That summer became the rest of his life as he became more interested in farming and stayed on. Soon he bought the farm from his father and even took a second job off the farm to increase his income. The hard work paid off and he was able to buy a larger, more productive farm nearby. He eventually retired from farming in 1987, renting out the land and taking a job with the Town of Brooklyn.
Nubbs was always known for his big smile and twinkly blue eyes. That might be what attracted Jean Redman, who became his second wife in June of 1990. Norbert had three sons with his first wife, Marie; Jeff (Mary Ellen) Jahnke of Ripon, Jim Jahnke, and Terry Jahnke, both of Green Lake. He is also survived by two sisters, Irene Marotz of Madison, and Ruth Schultz of Markesan, five step-children, Sara (Rick) Jump of Eden Prairie, MN, Grace (Doug) Calhoon of Burnsville, MN, Beth (Mike) Smith of Zionsville, IN, Laurie Redman (Wendy Robbins) of Chicago, IL, and Arthur Redman (Stephan Jones) of Chicago, IL. Also surviving are his treasured 3 grandchildren, 10 step grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Dick Jahnke and one sister, Myrtle Kurth.
Visitation for Norbert Jahnke will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011, from 9 – 11:00 am at Peace Lutheran Church, 440 Lake St. Green Lake, WI 54941.
Funeral Service for Norbert Jahnke will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011, at 11:00 am at Peace Lutheran Church in Green Lake. Reverend Rodney E. Dietsche will officiate. Interment will follow at Dartford Cemetery in Green Lake. Memorials may be given to Peace Lutheran School in Green Lake, or the American Diabetes Association, 375 Bishops Way #220, Brookfield, WI 53005.
Please visit www.butzinmarchant.com to send on-line condolences.
Norbert “Nubbs” Jahnke was born on the family farm on March 22, 1930, the son of Edward and Florence (Miller) Jahnke. Being the youngest of five children, he had a happy childhood with three sisters to pamper him and one brother to toughen him up. His only fear as a child was watching his father climb the windmill or the silo; that fear of heights lasted until the day he died. This did not stop him from being an adventurist, learning to drive at 14, which was allowed for farm boys in those days, racing stock cars, and battling his fear of heights by learning to fly at 16.
In high school he acted in several plays, which led to his decision to head to New York to study acting at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. His studies were cut short when he was needed on the farm for the summer. That summer became the rest of his life as he became more interested in farming and stayed on. Soon he bought the farm from his father and even took a second job off the farm to increase his income. The hard work paid off and he was able to buy a larger, more productive farm nearby. He eventually retired from farming in 1987, renting out the land and taking a job with the Town of Brooklyn.
Nubbs was always known for his big smile and twinkly blue eyes. That might be what attracted Jean Redman, who became his second wife in June of 1990. Norbert had three sons with his first wife, Marie; Jeff (Mary Ellen) Jahnke of Ripon, Jim Jahnke, and Terry Jahnke, both of Green Lake. He is also survived by two sisters, Irene Marotz of Madison, and Ruth Schultz of Markesan, five step-children, Sara (Rick) Jump of Eden Prairie, MN, Grace (Doug) Calhoon of Burnsville, MN, Beth (Mike) Smith of Zionsville, IN, Laurie Redman (Wendy Robbins) of Chicago, IL, and Arthur Redman (Stephan Jones) of Chicago, IL. Also surviving are his treasured 3 grandchildren, 10 step grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Dick Jahnke and one sister, Myrtle Kurth.
Visitation for Norbert Jahnke will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011, from 9 – 11:00 am at Peace Lutheran Church, 440 Lake St. Green Lake, WI 54941.
Funeral Service for Norbert Jahnke will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011, at 11:00 am at Peace Lutheran Church in Green Lake. Reverend Rodney E. Dietsche will officiate. Interment will follow at Dartford Cemetery in Green Lake. Memorials may be given to Peace Lutheran School in Green Lake, or the American Diabetes Association, 375 Bishops Way #220, Brookfield, WI 53005.
Please visit www.butzinmarchant.com to send on-line condolences.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Norbert Jahnke, please visit our flower store.
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