Feb. 28, 2019 – Hartford, WI -Kent A. Jahnke, 63, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 with his family by his side.
Kent was born on October 17, 1955 in Milwaukee to Frederick and Shirley (nee Behnke) Jahnke and then the family moved to Hartford in 1963. He graduated from Hartford Union High School class of 1973. He married Wendy (nee Kurer) on January 9, 1982. Kent was a Regional Sales Manager in large construction equipment until retiring in 2011. Kent and Wendy then founded Benaiah Ranch which was a place that offered opportunities to heal the broken, soothe the worried, and strengthen the weak in a judgement free environment. Their mission was to serve, mentor, and inspire at-risk youth and families, and veterans of war.
Kent traveled all over the United States, Canada, and Mexico and made many life long friends through his work. He loved being outdoors and taking his family camping, boating, and on road trips across the country to see first-hand the beauty of God’s creation. Kent felt closest to God when he was outdoors and in nature. He was a strong man with a soft heart. His desire was to serve the Lord and hold the hand of every soul that seemed lost, broken, or in need of protection. With his strong faith, he would reassure everyone that all will be ok. “God’s got it.”
With the support of family and friends, Kent and Wendy will pass the mission of Benaiah Ranch into the hands of Cedar Springs Church in Slinger, where it will become the Benaiah Center.
Kent is survived by his wife Wendy, children Jeffrey (Catherine), Tracy (Paul) Peterson. He is further survived by his grandchildren Josslyn, Chloe, and Julia Jahnke, Chase, Maxx, Taylor and Brady Peterson, brother Keith (Lois) Jahnke, mother-in-law Evelyn Kurer, brothers-in-law William (Mary) Kurer, Mike (Lori) Kurer, sisters-in-law Jeri (Chester) Filo, Holly (Tim) Graef, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law William Kurer, brother-in-law Robert Kurer, and sister-in-law Christy Kurer.
A Funeral Service will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at the Phillip Funeral Home Chapel of West Bend with Pastor John Bass presiding. Interment will take place at Wisconsin Memorial Park. Visitation will be on Saturday, March 9 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service (1:00 p.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations in Kent’s honor are appreciated to the Benaiah Center.
A Special Thank You to The Kramer Cancer Center and Heartland Hospice, especially Laura and Jackie for their compassionate and loving care for Kent in his home and for their support for his family.