Melvin Gale Janke

Passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025 in Davenport, WA with his 3 adult children by his side. Dad was born January 15, 1937 in Davenport, Washington to Fred and Emma Janke. He was the youngest of three children. Dad was raised on a farm west of Davenport near Rocklyn until the age of six when Grandpa made the decision to move into town. Dad married Mom (Sandra Wright) on August 27, 1955 at the Hitching Post Chapel in Coeur d’Alene, ID. They continued living in Davenport, which Dad called home for 88 years. Dad held many jobs while supporting his family. He worked for K & J Pontiac, Union 76 service station, Phillips 66 service station, Huck’s Transfer, R & I Trucking and drove combine for his good friends Cecil and Joyce Telecky. Dad was also an original member of the Road Knights Car Club. Dad’s full-time career started in 1957 when he began working for the Lincoln County Highway Department. Dad moved up the ranks working on the maintenance and construction of roads driving a grader, to being promoted in 1972 to the Davenport Foreman position. In 1983, Dad was again promoted to Superintendent of the entire county road system until 1991when he started his final position in the road department as Operations Director. Dad held that title until his retirement in 1994. After retirement, Dad became an entrepreneur and started his own business as Mel’s Small Engine Repair. He enjoyed working on and fixing lawn mowers, garden equipment, pretty much anything with a small motor. In his own words, dad loved, “just plain tinkering in my shop.” Throughout his life, Dad took the time to teach his sons, Mike and Doug and even his daughter Jill about restoring vintage vehicles. Even his grandsons helped their grandpa in the shop. Dad restored many cars and pickups taking pride in all that he did. Dad and Mom purchased a travel trailer and looked forward to traveling and taking it easy. They took their grandsons on fishing adventures and loaded up Rooster the Dalmatian for many other stays in the Pacific Northwest. Dad also enjoyed snowmobiling during the winter months, bowling and taking “Bunny Hops” with their friends Cec and Joyce in their Volkswagen Rabbit. Dad is survived by his oldest son, Mike (Patti) Janke, his son Doug (Juliann) Janke and his daughter Jill (Rudy) Franco; along with his grandsons Chucky, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ryan, Zachary, Jonathan, Garrett; granddaughters Melissa, Janelle, Mallorie, McKenna and great-grandkids Emma, Rowan, Harlow, Kace, Kasen, Krew, Koen, Logan and Lily. Dad is proceeded in death by his wife of 68 years Sandra, his parents Fred and Emma; his sister Eva Mae and his brother Robert. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Strate Funeral Home, 505 10th St. Davenport WA. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.strate-funeral.com for the Janke family. STRATE FUNERAL HOME, DAVENPORT, WA is caring for the family.