Peter Edward Janke
1955-2024
Peter Edward Janke, 68, of the town of Hammel, passed away peacefully surrounded by those who loved him on Friday, July 12, 2024 at his home while under the care of Hope Hospice. Pete was born on Sept. 8, 1955 in Milwaukee to Cecelia Janke. He was raised in Cedarburg and graduated from Cedarburg High School in 1973. Following high school, Pete worked at Mercury Marine, and was a volunteer firefighter and EMT for the Cedarburg Fire Department. He was also the chief engineer for the CFD.
He started his first business in 1983 when he and his friend, Larry Weidman purchased Homestead Act Bar in Cedarburg. In 1988, he then moved to Hazelhurst and on Aug. 27, 1988, married the love of his life, Julie Noth, his companion and best friend for the past 36 years. They owned and operated The Rustic Inn in Hazelhurst and ran a wonderful business together.
Pete’s passion for hunting and fishing never slowed. Many trips to Canada for bear, fish, or moose were cherished times spent with great friends. His favorite was going to the mountains to hunt mule deer. He also enjoyed bird hunting around the state with best friends for over 40 years, companions he wouldn’t change for anything.
In 2002, he changed routes and sold The Rustic Inn, moved to South Carolina and started Coastal Carolina Retriever (CCR) Kennels, a Retriever training kennel for hunting, field trials and competition Labs. He and Julie trained much of the east and south coasts running AKC competitions. They are now retired, but still have many beloved Labs.
In 2019, Pete and Julie returned to their roots and moved back to Wisconsin. They chose Taylor County, where Julie spent time as a child visiting her grandmother and remembered the area fondly.
He is survived by his wife, Julie; and a small group of cousins, including Hollie (Steve) Commons.
He was preceded in death by his mother; and beloved in-laws, Melvin and Florence (Wesle) Noth.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in the town of Holway with Pastor Bob Giese officiating. A Celebration of Life and BBQ will follow at Pete and Julie’s home.
Visitation will be from 12 p.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. at the church.
Memorials are appreciated and may go to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church or to Hope Hospice.
A special thank you to the incredible, caring nursing staff at Hope Hospice, and to cousins Dick and Barb Wesle, neighbors Dave and Jules Librande for all their love and support during Pete’s illness. God bless the many others that provided acts of kindness during this difficult time, thank you for all you’ve done to help in so many ways, including our wonderful church family. And in Pete’s words “Goodbye to all my friends, my wife and my four legged companions.”
Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.
Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.
Paid Obituary 155513
