Chester J. Jahnke

Born on March 10th 1933, in Parkers Prairie, Minnesota. He was from a family of six children, and the only son of William and Frieda Jahnke and the only grandson to continue the family name, especially pleasing his immigrant grandparents, since carrying on the family name was important to them.

Chet entered the Air Force in April, 1952. He served as an aircraft propeller repair mechanic, working on most every type of aircraft the Air Force which required a “prop”. He was very good at his work and is remembered fondly by those who worked with him. After Basic training and technical school at Chanute AFB, IL, he served at Patrick AFB Florida; Minneapolis International in MN; Kadena AFB, Okinawa; MN, Hickham AFB, Hawaii; Otis AFB, Massachusetts; Tansanut Vietnam; Hulbert Field at Elgin AFB, FL; Homestead AFB FL; Clark AFB, Luzon Philippines and Dyess AFB, Texas. He had many opportunities to take temporary assignments (TDY’S) for aircraft repairs all over the world and enjoyed every chance to travel on those assignments.

He married Barbara (Madsen) at Falmouth, (Otis AFB) MA On October 27, 1960. They were married 50 years. They had two children Lynette, born April 19th, 1961 at Otis AFB and Scott, born Nov. 13th, 1963 at Otis AFB. The family enjoyed traveling and life in the Military.

Chet retired in 1972 with over 20 years of military service and moved his family to Babbitt, MN. He worked for Reserve Mining Company as a truck driver, driving 120 ton production trucks until the company went out of business in 1987. He was a life member of the VFW and a charter member of Post 1539. He was a member and Past Commander of American Legion Post 535. He and Barb were both actively involved in these organizations as well as their community and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Babbitt.

Chet and Barb became snowbirds, spending the winters in Golf Lakes Mobile Estates in Bradenton, FL and summers in Babbitt, MN. They loved having the best of both worlds until 2006 when they became full time residents of Golf Lakes.

Fishing, hunting and woodworking were his favorite activities, and he loved to fish everywhere he lived. He also enjoyed golf and bowling, he winning many awards and trophies through the years. He loved to play a joke, tell a joke and was a relentless tease. He has 17 nieces and nephews who will agree. He enjoyed watching them all grow up and reuniting often with family at the Jahnke reunions. He always enjoyed the family Olympics, especially if his family won the trophy!

He and Barb recently attended a reunion with 3 co-workers (and wives) from the 551st Field Maintenance Squadron Prop Shop in Clearwater, FL. Memories of and nurturing of the many friendships he has had were very important to this man with a huge heart.

Lynette married Michael Robich in 1992, they live in Boise ID. Scott married Sandy Bull in 1991. They live in Vadnais Heights, MN. Chet and Barb were blessed with two grandchildren, Sami Bull and Austin Jahnke of Vadnais Heights. Austin is currently attending Weber International Business University in Lake Wales FL. His grandchildren brought him great joy.

In August 2010, to celebrate their 50 years of marriage, Chet and Barb took an Alaskan cruise which allowed Chet to say he had been in all 50 states in his lifetime, which he very proud of.

He is survived by his wife Barbara, the love of his life, who will never cease to miss him as he has been an amazing husband, father and grandfather, his children and grandchildren. Three sisters, Arlene Gjerstand of Clarissa MN (Kerry, Ronny, Lynette and Brian); Dorraine Lemon of Minot ND (Larry, Linda, Lisa and Lori) and Betty Stauffenecker of Duluth MN (Tim, Mark and Todd).

He was preceded in death in 2000 by his sister Diane McAlister (Laura) and his sister Arvilla Wallenberg in 2010 (Jim, Carol, Susan, David and Jean who is deceased.

Memorial services will be held at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Babbitt MN on Sat. Oct. 8th at 1:30PM. Inurnment with full Military honors will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Friday, Oct. 7th. There will be a memorial service in Golf Lakes on Tuesday, Oct. 25th at 2:30 PM.

Arrangements under the direction of National Cremation & Burial Society, Sarasota, FL.