ARLEN FREDERICK On March 26, 2012 Arlen Frederick Janke took his last breath on earth and his first breath in heaven. He was born January 4, 1934 in El Paso, Texas the son of Alex and Mary Janke. As a teenager Arlen worked in his father's sheet metal shop and for fun he raced stock cars. He spent many weekends racing the Unser boys up in Albuquerque. Arlen had a scrapbook of all his race cars as well as the newspaper clippings with his name and how he placed. After graduation from high school he joined the U.S. Navy. He was an aircraft mechanic in San Diego and Hawaii. He was honorably discharged in 1957 and returned to his home in El Paso, where in 1958 he married Dixie Watkin, from Michigan, who had been his pen pal for two years. They moved from El Paso to Albuquerque in 1962 and raised their four children. In 1970 Arlen attended school and became a pilot. He was the proud owner of a commercial pilot's license. Flying a plane was one of the many joys of his life. He and his family took many trips around the Southwest and Mexico. He was active in the Civitan Club and Elks Club for many years. He was active in the Methodist churches and since 1977 attended Central United Methodist Church where he served in many roles and was a member of the United Methodist Men. He spent ten years with the Kairos Prison Ministry, taking the message of the Lord to the inmates. He owned and operated Climate Equipment until 2011 when he sold his business due to ill health. Arlen was loved by his wife, family and many friends. He leaves behind his wife Dixie of 53 years; son Brock Janke of Albuquerque, NM; daughter Heather Buttke and husband Randy of Silvis, Illinois; daughter Kathryn Janke of Albuquerque, NM; and son Gregory Janke and wife Angela of Rio Rancho, NM. Arlen loved and will miss his five grandchildren: Daniel Buttke and wife Jenna of Bridgewater, VA, Jonas Buttke of Luray, VA, Jessica Bennett and husband Clayton of Phoenix, AZ, Tyler Janke of Rio Rancho, NM and Haley Janke of Rio Rancho, NM. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Wieland of Austin, TX and many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all. Cremation has taken place and a memorial will be held at Central United Methodist Church, 201 University Blvd. NE. on Friday, March 30 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception and lunch. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Alzheimer's Association of NM Chapter, 9500 Montgomery Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87111. Please visit our online guest book for Arlen at: www.RememberTheirStory.com FRENCH 1111 University Blvd NE 505-843-6333
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