Janet Rae Yonke Obituary

Our beloved Janet Rae Yonke (Behm), 62, went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, January 17, 2026, and is now at peace with our Lord after her courageous battle with cancer.

Janet was born at Waupaca Riverside Hospital, Wisconsin on April 30, 1963, to Raymond and Lynette Behm and resided in West Bloomfield. She graduated from Weyauwega High School in 1981 where she enjoyed playing the clarinet in band, cheer leading and poms. She met the love of her life, David August Yonke, at the age of 16 and they were married on September 15, 1984 and moved into their first home on Wisconsin Street in Waupaca.

After high school she attended the Appleton School of Cosmetology. Along with this profession she also worked at Red Owl in Weyauwega where she moved into a Manager role in the video department. She then transitioned to First National Bank in Weyauwega, Neuville Motors in Waupaca and finally to Farmers State Bank in Waupaca as loan processor. She was blessed to have met so many wonderful people and made lifelong friends along her journey.

Janet was a loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend to many. She cherished every moment spent with David, especially at their cabin in Mountain. They shared their love of cats, the outdoors, four wheeling, boating, snowmobiling and traveling. Her favorite place to travel was Hawaii where she and David recently renewed their vows.

She had a contagious laugh and loved adventure. Nothing meant more to her than the time she shared with the people she loved. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory and spirit will forever live within our hearts.

Janet is survived by her husband David Yonke; mother Lynette Hannemann; sister Jean Wiechmann; mother-in-law Karen Yonke; nieces and nephews: Michelle (Samuel) Gueli, Kristy (Mitch) Schmahl, Weston (Emilee) Schneider, Amber (Peyton) Head, Sara (Matthew) Yonke, Rebecca (Tim) Edmond; great nieces and nephews: Ryan, Victoria, Layla, Liam and Lana.

Janet was preceded in death by her father Raymond Behm; sister Debbie Butt; father-in-law Herbert Yonke; brother-in-laws: Steve Wichmann, Leonard Butt, Daniel Yonke; niece Nicole Laus.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 24, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. at Lewin Funeral Home, 210 W. Main Street, Fremont. Janet will be laid to rest at Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in West Bloomfield, Wisconsin.

Janet’s family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the entire healthcare team at Thedacare Hospice for all of your dedicated service and support during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations would be greatly appreciated to go towards funeral expenses.