Irene Rathbun Brown Janke
Irene Rathbun Brown Janke died Sunday, June 28, 2009. She was 79.
Mrs. Janke was born July 31, 1929, in Hackensack, N.J., to Irene and William James. She graduated from Colorado Women's College in Denver and Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo.
She married Miles C. Brown on June 10, 1950, in Fort Collins, and they raised four children together — Courtney, Steve, Holly and Mike. She later moved to Columbia and obtained a master's degree from MU.
She married Wilbert Janke on July 8, 1989, in Franklin.
Mrs. Janke enjoyed animals, science and history. She also had a passion for collecting antiques. She will be remembered for her sense of humor and ability to see the bright side in difficult times. Family members said they will always admire her continual pursuit of knowledge.
Mrs. Janke is survived by her four children, Courtney Morris of Grain Valley, Steve Brown of Gillette, Wyo., Holly Cunningham of Laramie, Wyo., and Mike Brown of New Franklin; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Her husband, Wilbert Janke, died earlier.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Clark's Chapel, 3613 Highway 5, New Franklin, MO 65274.
Memorial donations may be made to Friends of Clark's Chapel, c/o Mary Schlotzhaur at the above address. Condolences may be posted at speakschapel.com.
