Gwendolyn Jahnke

GWENDOLYN JOY JAHNKE STERLING - Gwendolyn Joy Jahnke, 89, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, of Santa Barbara, CA, died Thursday, May 12, 2011, at Coventry Living Center in Sterling. Gwendolyn was the only daughter born to Dr. Cora and Dr. Yager Lamoreaux, both chiropractors. She was born on January 7, 1922, in Beatrice, NE. After the family moved to Berwyn, Gwendolyn graduated from J. Sterling Morton High School in Cicero, and entered the School of Journalism at Northwestern University. On March 27, 1943, she married her high school sweetheart, Warren Raymond Jahnke. He had already enlisted in the Army and after he left for training, she became a "camp follower" and followed him to Camp Murphy, FL, Camp Crowder, MO, and Philadelphia, PA, until he shipped out to Seattle, WA, and the South Pacific for 2 ½ years. After his return, they started their family, a daughter, Gail, and a son, Kurt. Gwendolyn was a stay at home mother, active in the children's school, serving as a PTA President and Girl Scout Leader. She taught Sunday School for seven years at the First Congregational Church of Berwyn. Later she combined her love of dramatics and journalism to become a professional book reviewer. Registered with the Federation of Women's Clubs, she traveled throughout Illinois and Wisconsin presenting programs for 20 years, especially biographies and autobiographies. She designed and created a costume for each leading character. Gwendolyn donated ten costumes to the Alacamera Theater and seven wigs to the Cancer Society. During this time, she also co-founded the Friends of the Library for the Berwyn Public Library. They had already begun their world travels when Warren, who worked for AT&T Chicago, received six weeks vacation and their children were in college. They also had a fifth wheel and joined the Elks 613 caravaners and traveled with them for 10 years. They eventually achieved their goal of travel around the world. The Jahnkes retired to Santa Barbara in 1975. They became active members of the Santa Barbara Newcomers and Santa Barbara Postcomers with Gwendolyn serving as President. They were members of the Santa Barbara Little Garden Club, and the First Congregational Church. She was a member of the Women's Club. She is survived by he beloved husband of 68 years, Warren Jahnke; one daughter, Gail (Glenn) Dancey; one son, Kurt (Bonnie) Jahnke; two grandsons, Grant (Carolyn) Dancey and Karl (Christa) Jahnke; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and three brothers, Albert, Vernon and Kenneth Lamoreaux. There will be no services. Cremation rites have been accorded. Arrangements were made by Schilling Funeral Home. A memorial has been established. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.