Donald "Don" Jahnke

Donald (Don) Jahnke, 83, of Green Bay, Wisconsin passed away peacefully at home on June 9, 2026. Don was born on October 27, 1942, at St. Mary's Hospital in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to Elmer and Lucille (Schwenke) Jahnke. He spent his early years on a farm in Shirley, WI and then moved to Green Bay, which he considered home for the rest of his life.

Don lived an incredibly full and meaningful life. In 1964, he enlisted in the army, during the Viet Nam war. He was sent to Fort Lenardwood, MO, for basic training. On leave from basic training, Don married Judy Kelter, on June 26, 1964. His military career took him to many places, including Kaiserslautern, Germany, where he and Judy lived together for two years.

After four years of service, Don was honorably discharged from the army. He and Judy returned to Green Bay, WI. The pride and joy of his life, his daughter MIchelle, arrived in 1974.

Later in life, he was brought together with his very special friend and companion, Charity (Cheri) Powers. For fourteen years, Don and Cheri did life together - spending time traveling and enjoying many adventures.

Throughout his life, Don explored many different vocations. Early on, he spray painted barns, roofs, and houses for his uncle. After experimenting with various jobs, Don began a decades-long craft as a skilled plumber.

Don had many hobbies. He was an avid antique collector and was always on the hunt for the rare and unusual. With a long-time interest in flying, Don earned his pilot’s license and became a private pilot. He was known by many as a pool shark and loved to support casinos, near and far. If there was a deck of cards or a pair of dice around, Don was sure to partake in the fun.

Don was known by many people as many things throughout his very full life. Among them were: husband, father, uncle, friend, plumber, pilot, hunter, fisherman, fix-it-man, and much much more.

After being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2024, Don elected to live the remainder of his life focused on comfort and connections. In January, 2025, Don threw himself one hell of a party, during which he spent time with friends eating chilli and drinking beer. He told stories, shared laughs, and, like the game-lover he was, gave away some of his personal treasures as door prizes. It was an afternoon of laughs, a few tears, and enormous inspiration, as Don showed us all the value of spending time with those you love while you’re here to do so.

Don is survived by his daughter Michelle and son-in-law, Danny (Nazareno), sister Jerri and brother-in-law, Fats (Brunette), sisters Linda Charniak, and Cindy Bukouricz, ex-wife, Judy (Lepow), special friend and companion, Cheri (Powers), many beloved nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

Don’s family would like to express their immeasurable gratitude to Unity Hospice and Jennifer Berg for their assistance and care during Don’s final days. Per Don’s wishes, there will not be any ceremonial proceedings. Please feel free to share a sentiment via the Simply Creation website. If you’d like to honor Don, take a page from his book, and love your people.

Until we meet again, Don.