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John Steven Janke, 60
John Steven Janke, 60, passed away on Saturday, June 30, 2018, in Sandpoint, Idaho.
Trying to be eloquent to honor John Steven Janke, of Athol, Idaho, seems silly. Everyone knows someone that brings the party with them everywhere they go. John was that guy. John unapologetically lived a life that HE loved. He fought fires, wrestled, fished, hunted and listened to Bread and Iron Butterfly long after the 8-tracks he played on his boat became dinosaurs. You knew you were special and important when you were with John. He didn’t let you forget it.
He once said that only the good die young, so he figured he’d be around forever. He did not always see the good in himself, but those around him did. John was born in Kennewick, Wash., in 1958 and graduated with the Central Union High School Class of 1976, in El Centro, Calif. John saved the lives of people and pets during his 15 years with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department. He co-owned and managed Rimrock Golf Course and did many other small jobs over the years to stay close to the wilderness he treasured. He inspired people to jump into whatever they did with both feet and no safety net.
John is survived by his three daughters, Katrina Sauer, Krisann Diaz and Kori Janke; ten grandchildren; a great-grandchild; sisters, Jolene Janke-King and Cheryl Williams; brothers, Jerry Janke, Sam Janke and William Janke; many cousins; nephews and nieces; friends and his partner, Carol Willford. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Irene Janke; sister, Janice Johnson; nephew, Darrell Ray Janke and niece, Brittany Dawn Williams. We encourage those who loved John to celebrate his life by enjoying nature. Go camping, swing a golf club, catch a trout or take a hike.
We will have a celebration of life in conjunction with a Janke Family Reunion in June 2019. Memorials may be made to Kootenai County Police and Fire Memorial Foundation PO BOX 1748 Hayden, ID 83835, http://www.firstrespondersmemorial.org.
Family and friends are invited to sign John’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.