Gerald "Ger" Duane Stanke

GERALD “GER” DUANE STANKE, age 71, of rural Janesville, died unexpectedly while vacationing in Texas on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. 

Ger was born on September 16, 1952, in Waseca, to Marvel “Bud” and Janice (Bull) Stanke. He received his education at Janesville Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1970. On August 11, 1973, Ger was united in marriage to Lois Ann Kopischke at Trinity Lutheran Church in Janesville. Together they made their home on a farm in rural Janesville while raising their three children. Ger farmed and worked construction for many years. For the past 11 years, Ger had been working for the United States Postal Service as a Mail Carrier. He was an avid hunter, and enjoyed spending time watching wildlife and being outdoors. Ger loved going on vacation with family and following his grandchildren’s activities. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Janesville and Ducks Unlimited where he spent many years organizing their annual banquet. More than anything, Ger cherished his family. He will be dearly missed. 

Ger is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Lois; children, Amanda (David) Slaughter of Janesville, Jolene (Jason) Krause of Chaska, and Mark (Whitney) Stanke of Owatonna; grandchildren, Hailey, Breahna, and Dawson Slaughter, and Nevin and Bryn Krause; mother, Janice Stanke of Janesville; siblings, Sandy (Donnie) Ewert of Janesville, Kathy (Carl) Friedrichs of Mankato, and Greg (Sue) Stanke of New Market; uncle and aunt, Murt and Lorraine Bull of Pfarr, TX; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Preceded in death by his father, Marvel “Bud” Stanke; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Art and Dee Kopischke; grandparents, Edward and Margaret (Harty) Stanke and Howard and Ethel (Schauer) Bull. 

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 PM on Monday, February 5, 2024 at the Janesville Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. 

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Janesville. Interment will be in St. John Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Iosco Township, Waseca County. 

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Ducks Unlimited.