David Richard Janke

David Richard Janke passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, surrounded by family.  

Born and raised in Northern New York, he started his lifelong academic and personal journey by leaving New York to attend his parent’s alma mater in Illinois.

David lived an adventurous life, studying geology in places like Hawaii, Antarctica, and Mount Saint Helens, and vacationing all over the world with family and friends, including running with the bulls in Pamplona Spain.

A long-standing employee of the Arizona DEQ and professor for the Arizona State education system, he brought devotion and enthusiasm to the jobs.  To his lifetime friends and family, he demonstrated his love for God, life, and relationships, and we will all miss his fun spirit.  

David fought a long battle of multiple cancers, but till the end he kept a positive outlook.

David was pre-deceased by his parents, Richard and Jane Janke, and her sister Kathryn Watson.  David leaves behind his three sisters (Cynthia, Jennifer, and Barbara), along with his lifelong friends, especially his buddies from Arizona (Brian, Dave, Jim, and John) with whom he was able to spend his last birthday this past month.

 A memorial service will be held for David at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Tryon, North Carolina on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 4 PM.

Burial arrangements will be completed by the Walker funeral home in Plattsburgh New York. Burial will be at 1:00 on May 9th, 2026, at the Gilliland Cemetery.

Sanders Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Richard Janke, please visit our floral store.