Harold D. Jahnke

Harold D. Jahnke, 84, of McHenry, IL, passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024. He was born on the North Side of Chicago on December 21, 1939, to Harold and Catherine (nee Swain) Jahnke.

On July 22, 1961, Harold married Audrey Mansk. They celebrated 51 years of marriage before her passing in 2012. Harold was a loving father to his children, David (Jackie) Jahnke, Kristine (Dan) Duffy, and Jan Brown, and a loving grandfather to Dean, Cole, and Blake Brown, and Kasey, Abby, Grace, Danielle, and Matthew Duffy.

Harold attended Luther North High School (class of ‘57) where he played football, baseball, and basketball and was later admitted into their athletic Hall of Fame. He then attended Carthage College (class of ‘61) where he played football and earned All-American honors and later the National College of Education for his master's degree (class of ‘85), both in education. Harold went on to teach and coach at Luther South High School and at Grayslake High School as a teacher, coach, and athletic director.

When at home with his family, Harold was an avid woodworker, helping Audrey create crafts and decorations for every holiday as well as helping others by building, repairing, and restoring furniture. Harold greatly enjoyed fishing in his spare time when he wasn’t watching a sports game. He especially enjoyed cheering on his favorite Chicago teams; the Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks. Harold was always a big fan of watching his kids and grandkids' games, as well as any local sports team.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents and only sister, Gail Bahnfleth.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, July 26, from 4 pm until 8 pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake. A memorial service will be on Saturday, July 27, at 10 am at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 24500 N Old McHenry Rd, Hawthorn Woods, IL. Inurnment will follow at Windridge Memorial Park, Cary.