Mark was a mentor, a good friend, and very kind. When my wife and I moved, we really didn't even have to ask for help. It was just like, "Great, I'll be there to help." He jumped in to offer his support without asking for something in return, which felt surprising compared to other experiences. We'll never forget him.

Here is a photo of a UW-Eau Claire reunion of friends of Mark’s from Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship and church. It was taken in 1997 which was 17 years after we graduated.

Missing my friend Mark.

Scott Nesbit

I don't think a week has gone by without an echo of Gospel conversations with Mark.

Mark was a faithful servant of Jesus and a wonderful friend for almost 50 years.  I am blessed to have had him as part of my life for that time.  I miss him, but am so grateful that "I believe in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting."

It has been a year since Mark has passed on to heaven and it is hard to imagine that he is no longer with us on earth. 
My memories of Mark were at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. We had a lot in common. We were both a combination of goofy/fun-loving and serious. It was a tricky line to walk figuring out together when to be funny (and maybe a bit immature) and when to be serious.  We helped each other do this and by the time we were seniors, with God's help, grace and mercy and with the help of our friends, we were being transformed. By no means, had we given up our goofy/fun loving ways and become super serious, but we were better at knowing when to be what and also how to be sometimes both at the same time. I thank God for my friend mark and miss him.

My college memories at UWEC are filled with Mark & Brenda.  Sunday’s at Salem, Church,  Monday’s at Intervarsity,  Mark playing his guitar and weekend fun. Then there were the Salem retreats, going to Mpls, Ashland, and Chicago. Our reunion in Eau Claire three years ago was wonderful! Thank you Mark for consistently being a Godly example. You are missed dear friend. 

Liz Meyers Van Hooser 

Pastor Mark  is a Pastor indeed and fondly remembered. He cared for us, really cared, he sought out for us, took us in, made us feel at home, prayed with us, supported us. 
We had pleasant discussion on matters of life and doctrines. He is a General that has gone to sleep. Sleep on Pastor Mark, till we meet in the morning.
Steve & Tope

Mark was a great neighborhood clergy colleague. I appreciated both his kindness and his directness, and of course his willingness to invest so much in the community. His ministry leaves a path of grace for which I am grateful. My prayers for family and friends will continue.

Mark became our friend at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. We saw a lot of each other because we were involved in the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship group (IVCF) and went to the same church (Salem Baptist). We had fun together playing foursquare at church retreats and pickleball at our recent reunion of college friends. We grew spiritually together through times of prayer and Bible Study. We attended mark and Brenda's wedding and Mark was a groomsman in our wedding.
One of my (Scott's) most cherished memories of Mark was when he played his guitar and sang at an IVCF fall conference. Mark had just begun to learn to play the guitar and his choice of songs was "Through it All." Mark missed many chords, but it was a powerful message that "through it all , we learn to trust and depend on God." 
We will miss Mark on earth, but look forward to our reunion with him in heaven.
Scott and Elaine Nesbit

We’ve known Mark since our college days back at UW Eau Claire. When we remember Mark, it’s his enthusiasm for Jesus that first comes to mind. Mark ran the race well and now he has finished the course. 
We’re praying for you and your family, Brenda!     
Love,
Dave and Angela Sowers

Dear Jankes, I am so sad to hear of your loss. We attended Clifton from 2002-2007, and I was always so blessed to hear Mark preach, and more, to come under his wise shepherding care. What a knowledgeable, wise, godly, faithful man! He and Dr. Schreiner made quite the pair of superhero pastors in those days. Pastor Mark left an indelible impression on me, and many others. Know that Anne-Marie and I are praying for you all - precious grandsons included! - during this difficult time. Our hope is sure. The Lord is not finished writing this story just yet. In fact, it is just beginning.

In Christ Alone,
Nathan Copeland

I am forever grateful for Mark’s faithful teaching of God’s abundant grace. And I will always remember Mark’s welcoming and including heart; he made everyone feel like they belonged.  He served the Lord well, and loved his wife & kids well. What a tremendous example he gave to us of a life well lived for the glory of God! 

We will never forget Mark's smiles.
Art fairs, plant sales, neighborhood clean ups and meetings, Mark never failed to volunteer his time and good spirit.  He became an endless source of inspiration to us all. No matter the task, his smile always prevailed, was contagious, and encouraged us.
Even during his battle, Mark managed to give us three gifts: courage, perseverance, and dignity.
We feel privileged to have known Mark. He will be with us forever, wherever we go, smiling.

 Mark Janke probably knew me better than any pastor I have ever known.  This is because I attended his small counseling class on Thursday night at Clifton Baptist Church. Just four of us sharing everything in a safe environment.  When we both left Clifton for a church plant that relationship continued for a total of 8 years. Mark patiently listened to me talk about being single when most of my friends were married.  So when I saw him a year ago I was very glad to introduce my wife to him.  More importantly, I am glad I was able to tell him in front of a body of believers that I was faithfully teaching the things he taught me to those who will go and do the same (2 Timothy 2:2.)  His passing away has encouraged me to do it all the more.  See you again, brother.  

Mark was always checking in on me. He'd call me up or text me and ask to get together for coffee to chat. Usually we would talk about spiritual things, but sometimes we'd just talk about everyday, regular stuff. One time, I was feeling way down and out of the blue I got a message from Mark to meet up. It really made a difference to know that a good person cared about me. 

A long ago family tragedy has left me with some serious proselytizing PTSD, so when I first met Mark shortly after moving to Butchertown over 10 years ago, I was suspicious of his motives and kept my defenses sharpened. But as so many here know, his joy, openness and mostly lack of judgement opened a door to some great spiritual conversations I will treasure. (Not that he didn’t have hopes of seeing me in his congregation). He always listened and responded after some thought which ended up stimulating more conversation. Our last was not very long ago when he called to me as he was driving by and I was outside our building. He had to identify himself because I only knew him with hair. But then we took hands and talked deeply about the inevitable coming for him and us all,  so I proceeded to relate my experiences with a medium and as always he listened, said “huh” and then talked to me about the Old Testament.  Perfect! Like I said then and to all those I’ve cared so deeply for, I will find you again. 

Scripture teaches that faithful pastors receive a crown; I'd suggest that pastors of seminary students must be worthy of even greater honors! Mark saw things in me that he alone cared enough to warn me about--things that I (and others) either didn't see in myself or saw and ignored or explained away. And yet he never assumed the worst of me. He cared and warned because he knew who I was in Christ and who I could become by growing in Christ. Striking that balance is incredibly difficult, but it's a balance that reflects a life shaped by the cross and a desire for others to bring their whole, true selves to the same cross. And striking that balance is what Mark did in pastoring me. I can't think of a better tribute for a pastor than to recognize him for it.

Dear Janke Family, 
All of The Cross Ministry Group family of Kentucky - Men at the Cross and Women at the Cross - share our love and condolences. Mark was a gentle, thoughtful, tender, and firm friend. He blessed our ministry with his presence and storing our materials for many years at Franklin Street. We will miss his influence in this world, and know he leaves a lasting legacy of truth and love. 

To me, Mark was Gandalf and Samwise, not only lighting & guiding me to the fresher air of the Gospel, but carrying me with friendship at the times I couldn't recall "the taste of food, the sound of water, nor the touch of grass." He, his ministry, and his family are reminders that, "there's some good in this world, and it's worth fighting for."

Three scenes from The Lord of the Rings will always remind me of him--and Kate, Kyle and Brenda.

                                                             
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GqeBUP8B_eU

                                                           
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BKIgv8AhffA

                                                             
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=k6C8SX0mWP0

Mark was a wonderful friend and a faithful fellow servant of the Lord Jesus.  He had a deep love for people and a deep love for the truth revealed through the Scriptures.  Thus, he found much joy in helping folks understand and apply the Bible.  The death of such a good friend is painful and cold, but the hope of the resurrection and the promise of eternal life brings great comfort.  Mark has run well and finished the race.  May the Lord give us the grace to do so as well.  





Dad loved JRR Tolkien and taught us a lot of theology while reading The Lord of the Rings to us as kids. I always thought of this picture as his “Tolkien book cover shot.”

Mark we will see you again. Keeping you in our hearts. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" Romans 8:28

Mark and I grew up together. Rode bike, played ball, the typical kids of the 60's. "Be home before dark", the folks would say. As young adults we went our separate ways and didn't reconnect until the last year of his life. We shared many fond memories of our youth growing up in Wisconsin. Memories make us rich and Mark left behind many, many, memories. God Bless.

 Mark and I met through his community service in Butchertown.   He was always there the lend a hand for neighborhood events, open the church doors for us to gather and more importantly- to listen to what people had to say.   You felt that Mark was fully present when having a conversation, which can be a rarity these days.  

Mark Arthur was an a wonderful gentleman. We were cousins. He married Brenda and had a lovely family. He shared God's mercy with many and was loved by his congregation! 
Now, he is Home and it is time to rejoice.
Angels sing thee to thy rest, Mark Arthur.

Mark was a kind man and a great asset to the Butchertown community. He will be missed! He always made a point to seek me out in a crowd and I always appreciated our conversations. If only more people had his warmth, sincerity, and empathy….the world would be a better place. 

Isaiah 52:7 &  Romans 10:14-15….Mark, you had great feet. Thank you for being you. Cool! 

You shared you soul with so many little brother - you loved, taught and listened
every day.  You will always be missed.
I love you to Jump River and back.
                                      ♥️

Mark Janke was a kind, humble, and decent man. He used his faith to heal and build up others in a place where it was common for men to use their dogma as a weapon. He built souls in a place where too many looked to build empires. He was a man of integrity; he emulated the Christ he professed.

I am a poor disciple of his but a great admirer.

Mark, you modeled humble service to your flock in a way that shaped the way we view the pastorate. We are grateful for the time we had under your spiritual guidance and care and won't ever forget your kindness, humor, and patience especially with young, inexperienced, idealistic seminary students like us. Rest well in the presence of the Savior.

Iron sharpens iron, 
so one man sharpens another.

Mark, thank you for the profound impact that you had on my life.

OBITUARY

Mark Arthur Janke

October 4, 1957 – May 27, 2022

Arch L. Heady and Son - Cralle Funeral Home and Cremation Services

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