Leona Janke

Leona Janke

August 15, 1936 - February 20, 2020

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Obituary

Leona Esther Janke, 83, passed away peacefully Thursday morning February 20, 2020 at Villa Maria Nursing Home in Fargo ND.

Leona was born August 15, 1936 to Rudolph and Esther (Krueger) Ruff in Guyson, ND, where she lived into her teen years.  She graduated from Kulm Public School in 1955 and taught school for a few months at the Finn School North West of Fredonia.

On November 4, 1955, Leona married Arven Arthur Janke and they made their home on a farm six miles north of Fredonia ND where they raised five children and farmed until 2001, when they moved to Kulm.  After Arven’s passing in 2010, Leona lived in Kulm, Jamestown, and Fargo ND where she resided until moving into Villa Maria in January 2020. 

Leona was active in her church, playing organ at Martin Luther Lutheran Church for many years.  Leona was also active in the American Legion Auxiliary Post #260 where she held various office positions and volunteered at legion sponsored events.  She loved living on the farm, she loved her dairy cows, and especially her “Dear John”, the 830 John Deere tractor she liked to plow with. She gardened, raised chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys, and canned anything that could be preserved for feeding her family throughout the year.

Leona is survived by her children; Sara (Randi) Anfinson, Devils Lake, ND; Myrna Bala Sparks, NV; Alan (Doris) Janke, Germany; Polly Thorsness, Barnesville, MN; and Loren (Dannelle) Janke, Spearfish, SD.  Grandchildren:  Matthew Anfinson, Amy (Barry) Lovseth, Andrea McCarthy, Robin Janke, Michelle Janke, Jessica (Greg) Danzeisen, James Thorsness, Jamillah (Steve) Leiferman, Chantelle (Bryant) Stadler.  Great Grandchildren:  Emily, Julia and Madelyn Lovseth, Bryce & Reyna McCarthy, Evelyn & Baby Danzeisen, Zachary Leiferman, Dayven, Daxtyn, Devynee & Baby Stadler.  Three sisters, Joan (LeMore) Hehr, Jamestown ND, Josephine (Larry) Bietz, Valley City, ND, Vivian Giannuzzi, Syracuse NY, and one brother, Charlie Ruff, Fargo ND,  and many nieces and nephews.

Leona is preceded in death by her husband, Arven, and parents, Rudolph and Esther Ruff, and one nephew.

At Leona’s request, a private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Interment will be at the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery in Mandan, ND.  If desired, memorials may be sent in honor of Leona to:  North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery, 1825 46th St, Mandan, ND  58554.

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GB
Gary and Beckie Bertsch
Other •
Beckie and I were so saddened to hear of her passing. I still vividly remember my first Sunday at Fredonia and Leona was putting the dust cover on the organ and she said, Ach, I forgot to plug out the organ. We loved her and Arven and family. We had so many great memories of them and lunch/dinners at their house. Onie will be greatly missed but shes with Arven and thats a great comfort. Our prayers are with all the family
BH
Betty Hehr
Other •
I have lost a friend of 50 years very sad for me we worked together on many projects I will miss all our conversations and fun times.It is hard to find a really good friend like she was to me.
K
Kimberly
Other •
Our hearts are heavy with the passing of Leona. Leona was very dear to us, she was our Grandma Leona always enjoyed our visits and reminiscing of her memories of her, Arven and their children as they grow older. When our second child was born the first time she saw her, she looked me right in the eyes and said you have a Polly, just like I do!<br>With heartfelt sympathy during this difficult time, may you all reflect on the cherished memories you have.<br>Cory and Kimberly Schlecht and Family<br>
HJ
Hugo and Judy Janke
Other •
Great memories of Leona. We shared many hours together when Arven and Leona lived in Kulm. Leona and I (Judy) had fun times going to Jamestown on Friday afternoons to rummage sales. Shared many meals with Arven, Leona and the family. Loved her knephla soup. Leona gave me a couple recipes of hers that I use often. Lots of fun times. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We will miss her. Love and Hugs to all.
TH
Todd Haag
Other •
My thoughts are with Loren, Polly, Myrna, Sara, Alan, and the entire family. Leona was a wonderful woman and her and Arven a wonderful couple; and friends to my mom and dad. Mom often spoke of missing Leona when she moved from Kulm after the passing of Arven. My memories are of all her involvements in the community; church, the legion, baseball, and all things Fredonia. Great role model, along with so many others of the generation, for the unselfish efforts required to keep a small community vibrant.
RK
Rita Krueger
Other •
I always had a great time visiting with Auntie Leona. I will never forget the time she told Gerald, Amber and I to go to the Fredonia Liquor Store and she would be there shortly, and then she called your dad to come pay we got to visit for a couple of hours with them before we headed home. I will miss my Auntie Leona. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

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