ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Warren Janke, 71, passed away June 25, 2021 in Albuquerque. Born in Great Bend, Kan., the son of Raymond and Ruth Janke, he spent his early years growing up on the family farm. He attended Claflin schools and graduated from Kansas State University with a BS degree in Building Construction. Following participation in AFROTC he entered the United States Air Force and was stationed at bases in the United States and a tour in Japan where he met his wife Regina. While in the Air Force he worked in the Civil Engineering Squadrons. Following honorable discharge from the AF, he returned to complete a Master’s of Science Degree in Building
Construction from Texas A&M University in 1980: always being proud to be an Aggie.
He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Regina of 43 years; his sister Sheryl Janke of Roanoke, Va.; and several cousins.
Warren will be remembered by friends and many others who were touched by his kindness and generosity. Upon graduation from Texas A&M he was employed by the US Army Corps of Engineers and was stationed at Ft. Polk, La. His assignments gradually moved him west, completing his 24 year government career at the USA Corps of Engineers District Office in Albuquerque before retiring in 2005. From childhood he had a passion for flying and trains. He obtained his private pilot’s license and loved building and flying radio controlled aircraft for many years. He was an active member of the local EAA Chapter 530 in Los Lunas for several years. His love of trains led to collecting and assembling train models and building train layout. He became a member of the New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society, hoping to see it eventually steam and run.
Shortly after retirement he was diagnosed with cancer and underwent successful medical and surgical treatments. It was during his retirement years his new passions flourished. Having gone through the life-changing cancer experience, he began volunteering at the New Mexico Cancer Center, later becoming a board member of the New Mexico Cancer Center Foundation for a period of time. His faith led him to believe he should be doing this work, giving over 13 years and 6,500 hours of time listening, sharing, and assisting both patients and nurses, thereby touching countless individuals in the Albuquerque metro area. Due to his volunteer work Warren felt called to become an ordained chaplain to enhance his abilities of providing comfort to those in need. He was honored in 2018 as the senior volunteer of the year for Albuquerque. He soon became better known as “The Cakeman” for the cakes he made for his volunteer days. He became interested in the educational system and volunteered assisting faculty at Los Lunas Middle School in the computer lab, concentrating on activities that could enhance mathematical skills, such as flight simulator. He established the Janke Educational Foundation wherein he collaborated with school administration in recognizing teacher dedication and work. He established the Janke Family Memorial Scholarship for students in the Claflin High School. He also gave generously and freely of his time, expertise, and material to both Peralta Memorial United Methodist Church and St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. His work at the churches intensified with the onset of the pandemic which halted his time at the Cancer Center. His work in the pantry at Peralta Methodist Church impacted both pantry functions and community as well. He displayed humility in his generosity. For many who knew and loved Warren, he embodied and lived what the Lord taught us in Matthew, Chapter 6:1-3 [ESV]. “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to your choice of: New Mexico Cancer Center Foundation, New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society, The Janke Educational Foundation, Peralta Memorial United Methodist Church, St. Matthews Episcopal Church (Los Lunas), or Janke Family Memorial Scholarship (Claflin, KS). Services will be held at the Peralta Memorial United Methodist Church on Monday, July 19, 2021 at 1 p.m. Please visit our online guest book for Warren at www.frenchfunerals.com.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Lomas & Eubank
10500 Lomas Blvd
Albuquerque, NM 87112
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 14, 2021
