John "Jack" R. Jahnke, 79, of De Pere, passed peacefully on Thursday February 3, 2011 at the Jack and Engrid Meng Residence, Ledgeview, with his family at his side after a long battle with kidney disease. A resident of De Pere for the past 45 years, Jack was born in Pensaukee and also lived in Green Bay. Jack and his wife of 52 years, Margaret E. Jahnke (Verbrick), lovingly raised four children, Donna Jahnke (Madison), Debra Winters (Green Bay), Tim Jahnke (Chicago) and Ellen Jahnke (Shoreview, MN). Jack was born on October 15, 1931 to John and Elinor (Hintz) Jahnke. He graduated from Oconto High School, Class of 1949. He was a proud member of the National Guard, Company C, 32nd Division for nine years. Jack worked for over 35 years for the State of Wisconsin, Dept of Transportation, retiring in 1992. Jack is survived by his wife, Margaret, and his children, Donna, Deb (Gary), Tim (Sharla) and Ellen (Kate Flynn). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Adam (Lauren) Winters and their soon to be born son, Andrew (Amanda) Winters, Amanda Winters, Jacob Jahnke and Eric Jahnke. Additional family members include John (Marie) Sorvik, Carol Sorvik, Brian (Lori) Sorvik, Helen and Clarence Lotzer and special niece Jennifer Lotzer, Shirley Verbrick, Millie Verbrick, numerous additional nieces, nephews, cousins and two special cats, Toby and Tyler. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Margaret Sorvik, and brother-in-law, Arvid Sorvik. Also, brothers-in-law, Thomas Verbrick, Robert Verbrick, Donald Verbrick, and sister-in-law Barbara Verbrick. He will be remembered by numerous friends, neighbors and family as a kind, caring and helpful man, always willing to assist those around him who had a need. His family will remember him as a gentle giant of a man who took care of them in every way possible. He will be missed, always remembered and loved. Family and friends may call at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Family, corner of Lourdes Avenue and Suburban Drive, De Pere from 9:00 am to noon on Thursday February 10, 2011. Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at 12:00 noon on Thursday at the church with Father Tim Shillcox, O. Praem, officiating. RYAN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY of De Pere is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the Jahnke family. The Jahnke family would like to thank DaVita Dialysis Center, Unity Hospice, Lamers Transport, especially Brenda, and everyone at Rico's Family Restaurant in Freedom.