Wendell A. Janke

• Wendell Alexander Janke, aged 78, returned home to his Heavenly Father in October 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
• 
  

Born on September 10, 1947, in Junction City, Kansas, Wendell was the son of Robert and Julia Janke (Fredholm). His early years on the family farm nurtured in him an appreciation for the beauty of nature, adventure, and a love for horses, which remained with him throughout his life.

Wendell attended Emporia State College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education. It was during this time that Wendell made lifelong friends, one of whom was Melva Jean Bitikofer. The two were married on January 24, 1970, in Hesston, Kansas. He also served as a SP4 in the Army and was stationed in Heidelberg Germany, where his daughter (Heather) was born.

After serving in the military, Wendell and Melva moved back to Kansas where they welcomed their son (Tim). They moved to Topeka in 1974. Wendell earned his special education certification from the University of Kansas in 1982 and pursued a career as a special education teacher at the Kansas Neurological Institute, the director of the day program at Pioneer Village, a special education teacher at Three Lakes Special Education Cooperative, and a supported employment coordinator for Full Citizenship Incorporated.

Wendell was an unwavering advocate for individuals with disabilities. He served on numerous committees throughout his life, including Families Together Inc., SLI (formerly Sheltered Living Inc.), and several agencies focused on supported employment. He and Melva lovingly welcomed David Holmes, a resident at KNI, into their home, raising him as their own with their two children, until David's passing in 2006.

Later in life, Wendell attended Washburn University and obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting. He worked at the Department of Revenue in Mineral and Oil Taxes until his retirement in 2010.

Wendell loved traveling with his family. They created many memories hiking and camping in the mountains of Colorado and North Carolina, where they visited friends and relatives. Wendell also loved woodworking. Using a book he checked out from the library, he built a home for his family. He loved listening to music, playing trumpet with his friends, dancing with his wife, and studying the bible. His grandchildren were the focus of his later family life and he passed on many of his passions to them.

Wendell leaves behind his loving wife, Melva Janke, two children, Heather (Doug) Appenfeller and Tim (Melissia) Janke, brother Philip Janke, five grandchildren, Makenna (Caleb) Harris, Dawson (Kylie) Brown, Alayna (Adam) Young, Gwen Appenfeller, and Kerigan Janke, along with one great-granddaughter, Maggie Brown.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Julia Janke; his sister, Janice Whaley; and his son, David Holmes.

Wendell leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and advocacy, forever etched in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him.

A memorial service honoring Wendell's life will be held on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas, 66604, with pastor Kyle Scheideman officiating. Friends and family are welcome to join for a memorial visitation one hour prior, starting at 10:00 AM.

The family would like to thank Interim Health Care and Brewster Place for the compassionate care provided to Wendell and our family over the last year.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to SLI (formerly Sheltered Living Inc.) at the link here: SLI Donation Link

To leave condolences or share a special memory, please visit our guest book below.