Roll Call Tribute

Delmar Lester Janke 

October 24, 1939 - August 14, 2024 

Delmar Lester Janke, son of Walter & Carolyn (Krueger) Janke, was born at Owatonna, MN on October 24, 1939. He passed to eternity at his home near Olivet, SD, under AseraCare Hospice support, with his wife present at his bedside on August 16, 2024, after an extended illness of Parkinson's and complications.

Delmar's elementary education was at schools in Mankato MN. His high school education was at Rapid City, SD. He attended college at the Rapid City School of Mines and graduated from Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen, SD. He received his master's degree at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. His PhD was from the University of Wisconsin, in Madison, WI.

Throughout his life Delmar had a solid faith in the Lord and was involved with the church wherever he lived. In his high school and college years he was an active member and leader in the Walther League. On October 29th, 1960, he married Betty Janke in Yankton SD. Together they raised their family.

Upon completion of his undergraduate degree, he began his teaching career which included teaching at Buffalo, SD, and Winner, SD before receiving a National Science Foundation grant to attend college at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas where he received his master's degree. From there he taught school in Aberdeen, SD until he went to the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI where he received his PhD. Upon graduation the family moved to College Station Texas where he was a professor for 30 years at Texas A&M University. He was a loyal Aggie and was often heard greeting folks with "Howdy". His years of teaching gave him much joy and he continued in contact with some of those former students.

Delmar had many interests including a love of flying. He took his private pilot training and upon retirement from TAMU he became a flight attendant for American Airlines. During his airline career he was based in Washington DC, Boston, Mass, and Chicago, IL. He and Betty enjoyed traveling. He retired from the airline career in 2011.

Following his airline retirement, he enjoyed life on the family farm where he and Betty enjoyed hosting many small groups for mini retreats and just a time of enjoying the beauty of God's creation. They spent many summers volunteering at Kids Across America Kamps, until his diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease limited his activities.

He made his final flight to see Jesus as Betty, his loving wife and caregiver, witnessed his homegoing. He is survived by his wife, Betty, their son David & Mary Kay Janke, & Granddaughters Rebecca & Sara Beth, of Branson, MO, daughter Laura Hawkins of Lapeer, MI. Sisters, Jean Bender of Madison Lake, MN and Virgina & Bob Erlandson of Good Thunder, MN. Also, many nieces & nephews, cousins, extended family members, many friends, and former students.

Delmar was a kind and giving person. His body has been donated to medical science at the Sanford School of Medicine at Vermillion, SD. A Celebration of Life is planned for Sept 28th.

Memorials may be made in Delmar's memory for the Delmar & Betty Janke Health Center by contacting: Kids Across America Kamps, 2036 Timberlake Road, Branson, MO 65616 or www.kaakamps.org/give.