Harold Edmund Janke

Harold Edmund Janke passed away at home on August 27th, 2026, after a lengthy battle with Parkinsons’ disease and a brief, yet courageous battle with cancer. He left this world surrounded by family, love, and the quiet strength that defined his life.

Born in Burnstad, North Dakota, on February 13, 1939, Harold grew up in Napoleon alongside one brother and seven sisters. His childhood was spent working on his parents’ farm and lending a hand to neighboring farmers—early lessons in responsibility, grit, and generosity that stayed with him forever.

In 1959, Harold enlisted in the United States Army. He served on the Czech border in West Germany during the Cold War, a period that shaped his discipline and deep sense of duty. After completing his service in 1962, he began a long career in the power line industry. Starting as a groundman, Harold worked his way up through sheer determination and skill, eventually becoming a journeyman lineman—a role respected not only for its technical demands but for the courage it requires. Harold embodied both.

Harold met the love of his life, Erma Jean Coleman, and on February 4, 1978, they were united in marriage. From that day forward, he was “Bunky” to her, and proudly “Dad” to her children. He stepped into family life without hesitation, loving Brett and ShaMarie as if he had been there from the very beginning.

His work took him across the United States, and wherever he went, his family went too. Those years were filled with road trips, job sites, laughter, and memories that became the foundation of their family story. One of Harold’s greatest joys was sharing his work with his son, Brett. Beginning at just 8 years old and continuing through Brett's college graduation, the two spent countless hours together, creating a bond built on hard work, trust, and love.

At home, Harold was the kind of father who could be playful and lighthearted one moment, a steady teacher of life when his children needed guidance and a taste tester of his daughters’ creative “meals”. Brett and Sha Marie grew up with one of the last “John Wayne’s” of this era. His humor filled their home, his patience steadied them, and his strength showed them how to endure.

Harold and Erma retired in 1994 and settled in Buena Vista, Colorado, where they enjoyed a quiet life together until Erma’s passing in 2012. After losing her, Harold moved to Eaton, Colorado, where he lived with his daughter, Sha Marie, and her family. Surrounded by love, he remained there until his passing.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents and 6 siblings. He is survived by his children who will miss him deeply; Brett (Kellie) Janke and Sha Marie (Jim) Ion; his grandson, Austin Ion; his granddaughters, Abigail and Paige Janke; and his two remaining sisters, Velda Lee and Virginia Kotz, both of Colorado.

He was a devoted father, husband, a proud grandfather, and a trusted friend to many. He was a man who spoke most loudly through action, and he didn’t wait to be asked for help because he was already there doing it. His love was steady, practical, and unmistakable in everything he did.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation. 

Private graveside services will be held in Buena Vista at Mount Olivet Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest next to his wife Erma Jean.