Joe Carroll Kanke

Joe Kanke of Tenino, WA, who was born on March 25th, 1942, in Evansville, Indiana went to be with Jesus on January 26th, 2025. Joe was preceded in death by his parents Martha Emerson and Warren Kanke and his wife of 60 years, Pennie Kanke. He is survived by his sister, Kathy Walthers (John), his daughters Janet Diehl (Bill) Rochester, WA and Jeri Goetschel (Dave) Yelm, WA, Brother and Sister in his heart Dick and Beverly Drew, grandchildren Chad Fredericks (Heather), Justin Fredericks (Erin) and DJ Goetschel, great grandchildren Charlotte Fredericks, Katlyn Black and Kyle Black, and numerous other extended family members. Joe was always known for his mechanical expertise, beginning early in school-age years. He raced at Saugus Speedway in CA as part of the Kanke Crew. Joe and Pennie were also members of the Valleymen Motorcycle club where they covered many miles on their Harley. Joe married the love of his life Pennie, and together they raised and spoiled their two daughters. Joe was known to many as “DAD” and spent his time cooking pancakes for his daughter’s softball teams or driving endlessly the line of water-skiers on numerous lakes. He later much enjoyed being at every Baseball, Football and Hockey event his grandchildren were a part of. Joe worked for Alcorn Fence Co. where he was very proud to tell you he helped build the fence around Cape Canaveral. Joe later worked for Flying Tigers Airline as a lead mechanic and was honored by the FAA in 1969 with the Aviation Mechanic Safety Award. Later years found him working at Time Aviation as a quality control manager. Joe and Pennie relocated to WA state in 1994, and Joe finished his career years working for Four-Star Accessory Overhaul Inc. in the same capacity until his retirement in 2019. Joe fellowshipped and had many friends at Cornerstone Church of Tenino and Cowboy Baptist Church of Roy. Joe had a passion for classic cars and was often seen participating in car shows and chauffeuring various dignitaries, students, etc. in parades and home-coming events. Joe loved being with family and friends and always gave his time to anyone in need. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Services to be held at Mills & Mills Funeral Home- Tumwater, WA. February 12th, 2025. The viewing begins at 10:00 with service at 11:00. Graveside and Fellowship time to immediately follow.