Harold S. Janke

Harold S. Janke, 65, of McCook Lake, SD, formerly of Pender, NE, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at UnityPoint St. Luke's Hospital in Sioux City, IA, after a 2-year battle with ALS. The visitation will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Pender. The funeral service will be on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Pender. Burial will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Sioux City, IA, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Team Gleason ALS Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender.

Harold was born in Pender, NE, on November 10, 1960, the son of Leonard and Bonnie (Plendl) Janke. He graduated from Pender High School in 1979. Harold married Cindy Lefler on August 13, 1983, and they went on to share 42 happy years together. To that union, a son and daughter were born, Trevor and Callie. Harold began his working career by joining his parents at Janke Auto. He started out washing cars and then worked up from mechanic to service manager to car salesman. He and Cindy went on to purchase the business from his parents in 2004. His health caused him to retire early in 2024.

Harold’s passion was auto-racing! He obtained his passion from attending racing events in his youth with his father, Leonard. That lit the fire in him to be involved in racing himself. He began his own racing career in 1980 at the Skip Barber Driving School. He went on to participate in many Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) events, in 1985 he ran his first professional event in Saint Louis. He continued professional racing until 1990. After his professional racing career, he continued to be involved in vintage events, driver coaching, and supporting his son and friends in their racing endeavors.

Harold was also an avid Nebraska Cornhusker fan. Throughout his life, he demonstrated strong support for the U.S. military and had unwavering respect for veterans. He enjoyed playing basketball in his youth and in his adulthood. Harold shared his love and experience for the game with his daughter. He was proud to coach his daughter’s youth team, which helped lead to the success of the Pender girls’ basketball program that we continue to see.

Harold is survived by his wife, Cindy of McCook Lake, SD; son, Trevor (Carolyn) Janke and their children, Amy and Eric of Elkhorn, NE; daughter, Callie (Cody) Roeber, and their children, Karson, Collin, Conner, Layton, Lauryn, and Wren of Wynstone, SD; and sister, Kristen Krause of Lincoln, NE and her sons Michael (Marie) Krause and Brandon (Ashley) Krause.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Bonnie Janke; and his father and mother-in-law, Wilbur and Laura Lefler.