Walter Walt Peter Jankowski

He was a son, father, grandpa, better known as Opa, great-grandpa, uncle, and a friend.

Walter was born in Duluth, Minnesota on May 29th, 1932 to Bernard Jankowski and Helen Kolodge. He was the oldest of five children. Leonard, Teddy, Eddie and Theresa, all preceded him in death except Theresa. They all moved to San Diego California in 1941. He graduated from La Jolla high school in 1949.

He then join the Army and served in the Korea War from 1951-1953.

After the Army he started working for Convair aircraft. It was at this time he met his lovely wife of sixty years Nancy Leeg, and married her a short time later in 1954.

In November of 1955 he began his career with the San Diego Fire department. With so many memories, playing golf on his days off, going to the Colorado river, tubing, water-skiing and camping. Many a times playing over the line, lots of broken fingers and sunburns.

He was Firefighter of the year, for rescuing a man from a burning building on his day off.

Walter was better known as SKI, or JAN. He retired from the department in 1983, serving 28 years.

Walter was a devout Catholic, he never missed a mass. He played in a rock-n-roll band and was named band of the year, three years in a row. He play numerous instruments, Guitar, Banjo,Dobro,Bass, and of course singing. His true love after retirement was singing and playing Bluegrass music.

In 1985 Walter and Nancy moved to Norther California to build their dream home, a log cabin.

When he retired he continued to play golf and carried a single digit handicap well into his seventy. He enjoyed fishing and going to bluegrass festivals thought out California. During their travels they had met many of friends and still remains friends to this day. Walter always referred to them as "Our bluegrass family"

Walter will be missed by all who enjoyed his music and just hanging out. He was loved by all.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy, his son Lenny, and his daughters Delora Deabel and her husband Gary, Corey Weworski and her husband Joe. LaDeana (2000) and Steve (2008) have passed away. Eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

We all know that Steve and LaDeana will take him by his hand and lead him home. The three of them will join the choir of angles, singing one of his favorite gospel song, "This world is not my home I'm just passing though."

Go rest high on that mountain, your work on earth in done.

Time will make the wound less deep but the scar will never heal. LOVE FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS!!!