It is with great sadness that we share the news of our beloved mother, Betty Janke, who passed away on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026, at the Lake of the Woods Hospital in Kenora, Ontario.
Betty was born on June 16, 1933, on her family farm near Chesley, Ontario. She was the youngest of eight siblings and was predeceased by her husband Emil Janke after 60 years together, as well as her daughter-in-law Patricia Janke.
She leaves behind her three children and their families; Daniel Janke and his wife Susan Alton with their kids Aaron, Liam and Sophie Janke; Terry Janke along with his children Emily Walker (husband Tory), Joel Janke (wife Holly), and Jonathan Janke (fiancé Justine); Judy Major and her husband Will with their kids Riel Major (wife Emily) and Jericha Major.
Her seven great-grandchildren will also miss her; Finley, Thorin, Lucia, Mallory, Wallace, Vienna and Porter.
Betty has many relatives and friends across the country but had a special connection to those in Kenora and especially to her church family at Lakeside Baptist.
Growing up in a large loving family meant sharing farm chores as well as music and church life. Sadly, when she was just 14 years old she got Scarlet Fever which limited her education to Grade 8. However, once she recovered she became a seamstress at a Silk Knit factory in Chesley where she helped support her family. She often shared how she contributed to getting electricity installed on the family farm.
At age 18 Betty met Emil at a barn dance; he was a young German immigrant. They fell in love quickly. Since it was a leap year she proposed to him first-and he said ‘yes’. They got married on October 11, 1952 and started their life together out west before eventually returning to Southeastern Ontario where Emil ran a construction company while Betty handled the bookkeeping.
Apart from being a wife and mother, Betty enjoyed sewing and singing. She spent several years performing with the Hanover Gospel Trio. Additionally, she worked as a Regional Representative for the Canadian Arthritis and Rheumatism Society (CARS) due to its impact on her family.
In 1979 Betty and Emil decided to relocate to Kenora where they established Heritage Place campground near Longbow Lake. There they formed lasting friendships within the community as well as at First Baptist Church then later at Lakeside Baptist Church.
As time went by Betty’s faith in Jesus Christ deepened significantly. She loved participating in Bible Studies along with serving others through church activities while praying for those who needed support. She readily supported various missions worldwide that spread the gospel message.
If you wish to honor Betty’s memory instead of sending flowers please consider donating to Transworld Radio-a ministry that shares hope through Christ globally (www. twr. ca); or you can contribute to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation (www. lwdhf. com).
A Celebration of Life Service will take place at Lakeside Baptist Church in Kenora on Wednesday June 10th at 11:00 am led by Pastor John Boechat (101 Transmitter Rd., Kenora ON P9N 3X3).
The family would like to thank all nursing staff from both floors of Lake of Woods Hospital for their kind care during Mom’s final month especially Char Melillo who directs Palliative Care-her attention towards our family during this tough time meant so much.
We also appreciate Mike Limerick-the community palliative care nurse-alongside community paramedics plus staff from Ontario Health at Home program for explaining available services for Mom so thoroughly.
Lastly we want express gratitude towards friends from Lakeside Baptist Church who visited Mom regularly including Pat Clink & Rochelle Newell whose kindness made an impact during this time of grief.
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