Carole Mae Jahnke

TRAVERSE CITY - Carole Mae (Jensen) Jahnke, 84, passed away on Thursday July 7, 2016 in Traverse City, Michigan. Carole was born August 24, 1931 in Everett, Washington to Bryan & Vervilla Jensen. She met her best friend and soulmate, “that cute sailor”, Bob Jahnke, in 1950 at a Navy dance on Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. They were married on July 26, 1952 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Everett, Washington. Soon after, they moved to the Detroit area, ultimately raising their family in Livonia, Michigan. Carole worked at American Motors until her retirement in 1988, as well as serving as the secretary at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Livonia for many years. In 1989, after years of vacationing in Northern Michigan, Bob & Carole realized their dream and moved to the home they built together in Lake Ann. Carole’s favorite moments were spent sewing, sailing, with her family, and dancing with Bob. She will always be remembered for her faith, laughter, warm heart, and above all else, her love & devotion to her family. She was well known for her quilts, and they will continue to keep her friends and family warm for generations to come. Carole is survived by her husband and love of her life, Bob Jahnke; sister, Sena Blubaugh (Jim Blubaugh), of Everett, WA; her children, Debby Hoepner (Tim Hoepner), of Livonia, MI, Bryan Jahnke (Gladys Aleman), of Vieques, Puerto Rico, and Bob Jahnke, of Lake Ann, MI; grandchildren, Jennifer Jahnke, of St. Clair Shore, MI, James Jahnke (Nastassia Jahnke), of Chicago, IL, Richard Jahnke (Stephanie Mabunga), of New York, NY, Megan Hoepner (Ciro Troncoso), of Orlando, FL, and Chris Hoepner (Bridgette Nash), of Clinton Township, MI; and great-grandchildren, Max & Jenna Lobbestael, and Baby Jahnke & Baby Troncoso, both due this fall. Visitation will be held at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, in Traverse City, from 4-7pm on Monday, July 11. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 12, at 11 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Traverse City, with a visitation held one hour prior. Memorial contributions in Carol’s name may be directed to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1050 Peninsula Drive, Traverse City, MI. 49686. Kindly share your thoughts and memories with Carol’s family by way of her online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Carole Mae Jahnke

August 24, 1931 - July 7, 2016