Bonnie J. Janke

Bonnie Jean (Plendl) Janke, 84, of Pender, NE passed away on Friday, December 14, 2018 just a couple weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Pender; Pastor Karen McNeill-Utecht will be officiating.  Visitation will be held on Monday, December 17, 2018 starting at 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Munderloh - Smith Funeral Home in Pender.  Burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery in Pender.  Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh - Smith Funeral Home in Pender, NE.

Bonnie was born on October 20, 1934 in Ball Club, MN to Anton and Doris (Leonard) Plendl.   She attended Hinton High School and graduated as the salutatorian of her class.  After graduation Bonnie worked at Blue Bunny, Iowa Public Power and Younkers before meeting her future husband at the Shore Acres Ballroom in Sioux City.  Bonnie married Leonard Janke on June 20, 1957 in Sioux City, Iowa. She moved to Pender and became an instrumental part of Leonard’s business Janke Auto Co.  They owned and operated Janke Auto Co until 2004 when they retired. Their family was started in 1959 when Kristen was born and followed by Harold in 1960.

Bonnie was a very busy person with family and being a business woman, chamber president, bowler, golfer and gardener.  Bonnie also shared Leonard’s passion for racing.  They raced cars all over North America and met and competed against many fascinating people.  Many of which are still their friends today.   Bonnie was a part of the Can Am racing family and she was well respected for her accuracy to score a race.   Leonard and Bonnie also had a chance to see a lot of the world in their travels.  Bonnie was an active member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.  Entertaining friends, enjoying good food and playing cards, were her most favorite things.

Bonnie is survived by her husband, Leonard Janke of Pender, NE; daughter, Kristen Krause of Lincoln, NE; son, Harold (Cindy) Janke of Pender, NE; grandchildren, Michael Krause, Brandon Krause (Ashley Wheeler), Trevor Janke (fiancé Carolyn Stuwe), and Callie (Zach) Utemark; great grandchildren, Layton and Lauryn Utemark; and sister, Mary “Kathy” Plendl of Moab, UT.

Bonnie is preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers, Jay and Walt.