Eugene Jahncke

EUGENE H. JAHNCKE

Cedar Rapids

Eugene H. Jahncke, 90, of Cedar Rapids, died Monday, Feb. 12, 2018, at his home. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Gene requests that you share a memory of him with those you love.

Eugene Henry Jahncke

was born March 1, 1927, in Oelwein, Iowa, the son of Alvin and Caroline (Mohlis) Jahncke. Gene joined the U.S. Army in June 1945 and was assigned to the 752nd tank battalion, attached to the 88th Blue Devil Division in Italy. He was honorably discharged in January 1947. He graduated from Oelwein High School and the University of Northern Iowa with a bachelor's of science and from the University of Iowa with a master's in special education. He was united in marriage to Maude Schoenmaker in June 1969. Gene taught in the Cedar Rapids school district and served as coordinator of special education. He was a member of the Sierra Club, the United Nations Association and Amnesty International. Gene often talked about what a wonderful life he lived and summed it up with this thought: "I thank all of you who have so grandly enriched my life."

Survivors include three children, Chris Jahncke, Claudia (Rick) Ketchum and Lisa (Harry) Suszko, all of Cedar Rapids; one granddaughter, Amanda (Zach) Waddell; and two great-grandsons. He is also survived by two stepsons, John (Jill) Cummings and Robert Cummings; two stepdaughters, Margaret (Gerry) Kramer and Mary Beth (Steve) Bender; nine stepgrandchildren and 12 stepgreat-grandchildren.

Preceding Gene in death was his wife, Maude; his son, Steven Jahncke; and his sister, Maxine Teague.