Lonnie Ray Janke

Lonnie Ray Janke was born on April 1, 1938 in Bartlett, TX and passed away on May 21, 2024 at 86 years old. After graduating from Bartlett High School in 1956, Ray married the love of his life, Ruth Vogler. on June 28, 1959. The two built an incredible life and family together throughout the years.

Ray's life was full of accomplishments throughout many jobs, including farming, wood-working, manufacturing, and eventually he turned his love of cars into a career where he began selling Chevrolets, then Fords and became an owner of Rockdale Ford. He was a proud recipient of the Ford Sales Award and held that as a great career accomplishment. In his lifetime, he owned over 150 different vehicles. His hobbies included traveling, working on his car, and carpentry. Ray was always working on a project, often breaking some safety rules in the process. He had a knack for falling off ladders throughout the years, but it never seemed to slow him down as he remodeled over 30 houses. He and Ruth drove to 49 states, and would have made it to all 50 if an RV could float. They loved to travel, always cherishing their memories of adventures and interesting places.

Ray was a beloved member of St. John Lutheran Church in Bartlett, TX, where his family has been involved for generations. He was a church council member, sponsored Luther League, was the Building Chair for the Teinert Recreation Center, served as Sunday School Superintendent, and remodeled both the church basement, and parsonage. Although these were some roles he held, his impact was far greater and his legacy will live on through family and friends for years to come.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents Lee and Ida Janke, and siblings Reuben Janke, Leroy Janke, and Doris Lerich

He is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Ruth Janke; his children Sharon Kurtin and husband Duane, Scott Janke and wife Kathleen, Amy Tiemann and husband Curtis; grandchildren Lee Kurtin, Thomas Janke and wife Tiffany, Kali Kurtin and fiancé Garrett, Kyle Janke, Cami Tiemann, Abby Hafer and husband Josh; great-grandchildren Avery Jo and Peter Janke; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 29, at the St. John Lutheran Church TRC, 30650 SH-95 Bartlett, TX 76511. A celebration of life service will be held at the St. John Lutheran Church at 10:00 AM Thursday, May 30, followed by internment at the Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons Lee Kurtin, Thomas Janke, Kyle Janke and nephews Kim Janke, Chris Vogler, and Neal Janke.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 30650 SH-95, Bartlett, TX 76511