
Wolfgang Gerhard Jahnke passed away on February 12, 2024, at the age of 84 at his home near Arnes, MB.
He was predeceased by his parents Gerhard and Hildegard Jahnke and sister Gertie Krampitz. He leaves to mourn his wife Erika, stepsons Tolv Neuendorff (Nancy), Rex Neuendorff (Maureen), grandchildren Matthew, Amanda (Brad), Laura (Matthew) and Scott (Courtney) and great grandchildren Lucy, Lia and Kai.
Wolfgang was born on January 23, 1940, in Berlin Germany. The family emigrated to Winnipeg, Canada in 1955. He met Erika Neuendorff in 1969 and they were married in 1976. Wolfgang worked as a mason, Manulife agent and finally as a machinist with CNR Transcona shops until his retirement in 1995.
Wolfgang and Erika lived for many years in Transcona. Many summers were spent at Camp Neustadt beginning in 1969. In 1980 they built the cottage on Heideland Drive and moved out there permanently in 1996. He was an active member of the condominium board for the Heideland Drive Homeowners Association. Wolfgang had an impressive workshop where he built his bird houses and often used his expertise in construction to help his friends and neighbors.
Wolfgang was very active in sports as a youth and adult. As a youth in Berlin, he was in the Hertha Berlin soccer academy. In 1973, he helped found and was vice president and manager of The Park City Rangers Senior Soccer Club of The Manitoba Men’s Soccer Association. He curled in the German Society league and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Following his retirement, golf became his passion. He won the Gimli Golf and Country Club men’s league championship on one occasion.
Wolfgang and Erika were members of the German Society where they were involved in the Treue Husar Mardi Gras and Carnival association. Wolfgang served as president of the Carnival association and Wolfgang and Erika served as prince and princess of the Carnival on several occasions. This gave them the opportunity to travel to all the western Canadian provinces. Wolfgang and Erika also made many trips to Sooke BC and Germany to visit family and spent 5 winters in Texas.
A private gathering with family will be held at a later date. A donation can be made in Wolfgang’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.
Rest in peace Wolfgang.
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