Dad was born in Osmond, Nebraska in 1926 to Otto C. and Anna (Heidi) Janke. He was the 6th child and 5th son in the large family of nine. He was the last of this great family, predeceased by brother Edward (Clarice), sister Viola Patricio (Pat), brother Gilbert, known as "Butch," (Beverly), brother Barney, who passed in early childhood, brother Kirby (Jean), and brother Fredrick (Loraine). Earl was known as "Pete" growing up, so much so that his mother sent his report card back to his grammar school when he came home one day with the name "Peter Janke" on it. He completed the 8th grade in Whitman County, WA in 1940 and graduated from Castlemont High School in Oakland, CA in 1944.
Dad married our Mom, Rose, in 1952. They moved from Oakland to their brand new home in San Leandro, CA in 1953. Dad often told us the story how they signed the contract for the house on the tailgate of the builder's pickup near the construction site. They had three children, Peter (Sherry), Dana, and Susan Miller (Pat). He leaves 8 grandchildren, Heather Whitacre (Darrell), Zachary, Addam, Vincent, Lihla (Louie Ortega), Michael (Rocio Flores), Brandon (Sarah) and Nicholas (Stephany Coretana) . He leaves 10 great grandchildren, Jacob, Ethan, Giselle, Giovanni, Mason, Aiden, Emma, Jaxson, Vienna, and the newest, Dylan. Rose passed in 2007, after 55 years of marriage.
Dad worked for many years as a salesman in the food industry. He was well liked and respected in his field, often recognized for his new ideas on selling the product. He was an avid do-it-yourselfer and loved working on all types of projects. He was also always available to help his family in completing their endeavors. He loved to golf with his buddies, even hitting a hole-in-one at the Tony Lema Golf Course in San Leandro, building things in his garage, woodworking, watching and attending pro football games, reading and ice cream, not necessarily in this order. Most of all he loved and supported his family, and refused to give up his independence. He cherished it when any of the family would drop by and really enjoyed his weekend lunch outings.
Dad will be always missed and remembered by all. He was a really good Dad.
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