obit templateheritagefunera2018-11-29T12:10:12+00:00
Paul Roger
Paul Roger
Janke
- MEMORIAL VISITATION: Visitation will be held on Friday, January 3rd, 2025 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 7821 W. Lincoln Avenue in West Allis from 3 to 5 PM.
- MEMORIAL SERVICE: Memorial service will be held on Friday, January 3rd, 2025 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 7821 W. Lincoln Avenue in West Allis at 5 PM.
Paul Roger Janke
Born March 4th, 1968, called home to his Savior November 26th, 2024.
Though you unexpectedly left this world behind that day, you will forever live on through your place in our hearts…
As a baby, Paul was adopted into the loving home of the late Rev. Roger and late Nancy (nee Strobel) Janke of Hastings, MI. The family moved to Oberlin, OH in 1968 where siblings Joel (Kris) Janke and Naomi (Mark) Schindler were added. After Nancy’s passing in 1974, one very special first grader (Paul), brought Roger and Paul’s teacher Marva Lou (nee Feddersen) together. A wedding June 15th, 1975 was the start of something truly special when Roger’s children and Marva’s children Jonathan (Cathy) Kugath, Nathaniel (Debbie) Kugath, and Melissa (Brian) Kennedy combined to make one amazing new family. A modern day Brady Bunch!
Later that same year the newly blended family moved to West Bend, WI where Paul attended St. John’s Lutheran School for the balance of his grade school years. The family home was next to Riverside Park and was an amazing spot for the kids to ride bikes, build snow forts, fish, and sled down the big hill out back on the toboggan. In 1982, the family moved to the Milwaukee, WI area where many hours were spent in the driveway playing “Pig” or “Horse” and swimming in the pool. Paul attended Martin Luther High School and was a proud member of the Spartan football team and the tightly knit class of 1986. Paul spent his college years at Concordia University in Mequon, WI, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business & Marketing in 1991.
Paul loved the “night life” and spent the largest part of his career as a bartender at various establishments in Milwaukee. In 2012 Paul decided to make a big change and moved to San Antonio, TX and moved in with his dear friend the late Bob Schubert. His first place of TX employment was the Hyatt Wild Oak Ranch where he worked for 7 years. It was here where he developed friends that were like family and where his love for life as a Texan truly began. Paul ran a tight ship down at the River Bar, but it was his happy place. After the Hyatt he worked at Fast Eddies Billiards, followed by the United Club at the airport.
Paul will forever be remembered for his insane love of fishing. He could easily lose himself for hours out on the water and had enough fishing gear to outfit a small army. If you are looking for a good spot, Paul’s favorites were Lake 5, Okauchee, Wind, Nagawicka, and Nemahbin. And when you land a catch, a little head nod to the heavenly skies will bring a special moment for all. Paul was also known to appreciate a good night of karaoke, miniature golf, summer festivals, and playing on his Xbox.
Once you had Paul as your friend, you had a friend for life. Paul had a knack for keeping in touch with friends from every part of his life. Paul was so loved and loved deeply in return. Underneath that sometimes “grumpy” exterior, lay an absolute heart of gold of a man who would put the needs of others before himself.
Paul was a beloved Uncle to Brittany (Travis), Katie (Greg), Corey (Jeff), Scott (Viviana), Noah, Kayla, and Kieran and special Great-Uncle to Sage, Gwen, Cristobal, Aaliyah, Riley, and Sunny. Many special memories were made when Uncle Paul would string a fishing line for them and teach them all the best tips from a master fisherman.
Along life’s way, Paul had the opportunity to be loved by several special ladies, which also afforded him the opportunity to be a father figure to many treasured kids. Paul is survived by his former wife of nine years, Heather Pierson Banks, and her children DeMarco & Celeste Bowen.
Paul will be missed dearly by his classmates from every stage, work and Xbox friends, his Godmother “Aunt” Dorothy Degnitz, and his beloved dog Red.
In lieu of flowers, please be kind to one another. Share your struggles, fears and joys. Be present and patient with one another and when love seems to fail… talk, listen, learn, love more and pray.
988 National Suicide & Crisis Line – text or dial 988 / 988lifeline.org
If so desired, memorials to the family are appreciated.
HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME
(414) 281-5533
www.heritagefuneral.com
My sincerest condolences. May God give your family comfort and peace of mind knowing that Paul is safe in his loving arms. I was a high school friend of Paul’s.
Wrapping my arms around you with peace and love. My heartfelt condolences to you all. May he rest in peace.
Keeping all of Paul’s family and friends in my prayers. I had the pleasure to work with Paul at Hyatt Wild Oak Ranch for many years and will treasure my memories of Paul. I remember when he was so proud that his specialty drink, “Paul’s Southern Drawl” was named such and placed on the menu. He took such pride in his “river bar” and was a dear friend to all of us at work. Rest in peace Paul, you will be dearly missed.
Our sincere condolences to the Janke family.
Member of OFLC.