Obituary of Katherine Jahnke

Katherine Jahnke passed peacefully to her eternal home on September 2, 2023 at 99 years of age, with family by her side. A woman of strong faith – A true Prayer warrior.

Katherine Jahnke (nee Andres) was born on January 17, 1924 in Nikolaifeld, Russia; to Peter Abram & Elizabeth (Harms) Andres – The third youngest of eight children.

They emigrated to Canada in Spring of 1927 living south of Morse for one year in order to be near Uncle Abe – her dad’s brother, who settled here earlier.  Then moved to the Donnellyville School District, six miles southeast of Rush Lake where she and her family were raised. In spite of hard work and hardship, they enjoyed many happy years working together as family on the farm.

Her father had daily family devotions every morning at breakfast. Attending Daily Vacation Bible School in summer was a privilege & here she accepted the Lord as her personal Saviour.

She spent one very enriching year at Swift Current Bible School and was baptized upon confession of her faith at the end of the school year.  This lead to her taking up membership in the Herbert Mennonite Conference Church.

Katherine took a secretarial course in Winnipeg, living with her only sister and family. She later came home and was employed by Begg & Hayes Law Office in Swift Current.

Art & Katherine became good friends after his return from Bethel College and before leaving for Egypt and Italy to serve with MCC. After a 2 ½ year courtship they were married December 8, 1948.  January 3^rd 1949 they left for Akron, Pennsylvania. Following their MCC briefing, they flew to Montevideo, Uruguay to settle 750 immigrants, who had arrived before them. Their responsibility was to find housing suitable for the MCC Center, and land to settle these displaced farmers. Due to their diligence and advocacy, a 2 year term was extended to 5 ½ years. A huge undertaking of very intense but rewarding work, resulted in settling another 450 immigrants who arrived 2 years later.

They were blessed with the birth of Joyce & Charles, while living in Uruguay.

In 1954 they returned to Canada and their family grew by 2 girls, Krista & Marti. They spent 18 years on the farm raising 22,000 turkeys and livestock. Katherine worked 8 years in the Herbert Nursing Home. She was always involved in activities such as Ladies Aid, Choir, Sunday School & Baking – Angel food & Marble Cakes, amazing buns and pastries. Springtime meant tree-planting & gardening. Having grown a large assortment of fruits and vegetables, preserving & canning kept her busy into the fall.  She was always encouraging her children in school activities, 4-H, kids clubs and sports.

Katherine supported Art in his return to University, after a 27 year hiatus, resulting in a new career taking them to Northern Sask. She fulfilled a variety of positions in the school system alongside Art.

Retirement followed with Katherine enjoying oil painting, fine-stitch quilting, knitting, reading, extensive travel & Voluntary service. Family members and many others have been the recipients of slippers knit by her. Following Art’s passing, Katherine committed to knitting toques for children overseas. Her last toque was completed weeks before her passing.

Katherine was predeceased by her loving husband Art in March 2009, eldest daughter Jo Hamm & grandson Garrett (Lydia) Jahnke, numerous siblings, nieces, nephews and friends.

She leaves 3 children: Charles (Darlene) Jahnke, Krista (George) Routledge, Marti Gramlich; grandchildren: Michael Hamm, Robyn Russel, Jason Jahnke, Kirby (Alison) Routledge, Brett (Kelita) Routledge, Chaad Gramlich, Taylorr Gramlich; great grandchildren: Samson Hamm, Jake Hamm, Jewel Hamm, Shawn Russell, Samantha Russell, Payton Routledge, Karson Routledge, Presley Routledge, Grayer Routledge, Yesenya Routledge, Lennox Routledge and great-great grandchildren: Mylo, Crue, Quentin, Daniellah, Katherine, Leon, Amaya, Blake, Zoe and Makayla. The Lord was her guide over 99+ years and His Word a true companion.

Katherine looks forward to welcoming you all to our eternal home.