Betty Joyce Janke
Obituary
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Betty Janke, on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026, at the Lake of the Woods Hospital in Kenora, Ontario.
She was born on June 16, 1933, on the family farm near Chesley, Ontario, to Jacob and Mary Weppler, the youngest of 8 siblings. She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Emil Janke, as well as her daughter-in-law, Patricia Janke.
She will be missed by her three children and their families; Daniel Janke and wife Susan Alton, along with children, Aaron, Liam and Sophie Janke; Terry Janke and children, Emily Walker (Husband Tory), Joel Janke (Wife Holly), and Jonathan Janke (Fiancé Justine); Judy Major and husband Will, along with children Riel Major (Wife Emily), and Jericha Major.
She will also be missed by her seven Great Grandchildren; Finley, Thorin, Lucia, Mallory, Wallace, Vienna and Porter.
She leaves behind countless relatives and friends spread across the country, but most concentrated in Kenora, and especially among her church family at Lakeside Baptist.
Betty grew up in a big, loving family, sharing in the farm chores, the music and church life. Unfortunately, at age 14 she contracted Scarlet Fever and was prohibited from going beyond Grade 8 in her education. But, once she was well enough, she turned her attention to being a seamstress in a Silk Knit factory in Chesley and began contributing to the family. She told the story often of how she helped her mother and father pay for the installation of electricity on the family farm.
At the tender age of 18 Betty met a young German immigrant at a barn dance and they fell in love. Since the following year was a leap year, she proposed to Emil and he said ‘yes’. They were married on October 11, 1952, and began their life together in western Canada. But after a few years, found themselves back in SE Ontario where Emil ran a Construction Company, and Betty took care of the books.
Besides being a wife and mother Betty kept herself busy with sewing and singing. She was part of the Hanover Gospel Trio for several years. She also took a job as a Regional Representative for the Canadian Arthritis and Rheumatism Society (CARS) because this illness had affected her family.
In 1979 Betty and Emil pulled up stakes and moved to Kenora to start a campground known as Heritage Place, near Longbow Lake. They made many dear friends, both in the community, as well as at First Baptist Church and later, Lakeside Baptist Church.
Betty’s faith in Jesus Christ grew richer and more expressive with age. She loved Bible Studies, serving in church and praying for others in need. She was quick to support various missions around the world who were promoting the cause of the gospel.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Lakeside Baptist Church in Kenora on Wednesday, June 10th at 11:00 am with Pastor John Boechat officiating (101 Transmitter Rd., Kenora, ON. P9N 3X3)
The family wishes to extend their appreciation to the nursing staff on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Lake of the Woods Hospital for their compassionate care of our mom in her last month. A special thanks to Char Melillo, Director of the Palliative Care program. Her personal interest in our family at this time of grief was very meaningful.
We also want to thank the community palliative care nurse Mike Limerick, the community paramedics, and the folks from the Ontario Health at Home program. They were all great at explaining the services available to our mom.
Finally, we wish to express our gratitude to the many friends at Lakeside Baptist Church who visited and cared for Mom; with special mention to Pat Clink and Rochelle Newell.
