Leonard M. Janke, 94, of Pender, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 17, 2024 at St. Joseph's Hillside Villa in West Point.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 23 at Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender. The funeral will be on Monday, June 24, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Pender. Burial with military honors will be at Rosehill Cemetery in Pender.
Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.
Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender.
Leonard M. Janke, was born April 16, 1930 in Winside, the son of Adolph and Emma (Dangberg) Janke. He attended Winside High School, graduating in 1947. After graduation, Leonard helped on the family farm until he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951. Leonard was stationed in England from 1951 to 1955. During his time in the service he helped manage the transportation of atomic bombs. Following his service, Leonard returned to Nebraska to the family farm, which led him to purchasing his own business, an International and Rambler dealership.
During this time, he met the love of his life, Bonnie Jean (Plendl) and the two were married June 20, 1957. From there, Leonard ended his business with International and transitioned to the automotive industry. Leonard eventually purchased Oldsmobile, Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Buick franchises, creating Janke Auto Company. Leonard and Bonnie remained in the auto business for 50+ years, retiring in 2004.
Leonard had a passion for racing that began during his time in England. While there, he competed in rallies and raced on world famous road courses. When he left England he brought back with him an Austin Healey, which he used to begin his road racing career in the U.S.
He and Bonnie spent their honeymoon at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, where Leonard was competing. This was the start of him sharing his love of racing with Bonnie, to which they would create their life around. Their passion for racing led him to purchase a McLaren Mark3, which he raced in the United States Road Racing Championship series and Can-Am pro racing series. He continued to race Can-Am cars until 1980, he then raced in the Trans-Am series until ending his racing career in 1988. After his career ended, he was voted into the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 2003. Although his driving career had come to an end, his passion did not stop there. He passed on the love of motorsports to his family which led to 2 more generations of race car drivers.
When Leonard wasn't on the track, he spent his time fishing, golfing, bowling, playing cards with friends, and being an active member of the community. Leonard was a Mayor, chamber member, American Legion member serving on the Color Guard, a Church Counsel member, and also helped spearhead the development of the Pender Airport. Through both work and racing, Leonard and Bonnie had the opportunity to travel and see a lot of the world. Throughout this time Leonard made many lifelong friends. He was loved by all those he met and will be missed by many, after a very blessed and fulfilled life.
Survivors include his daughter, Kristen Krause of Lincoln; son, Harold (Cindy) Janke of Pender; grandchildren, Michael (Marie) Krause, Brandon (Ashley) Krause, Trevor (Carolyn) Janke and Callie Janke-Utemark; great-grandchildren, Amy, Layton, Lauryn, Karson, Collin, and Conner.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Bonnie of 63 years; his parents; three brothers, Arnold, Frederick, and Edwin; and three sisters, Emma, Wilma, and Linda.
