It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nicholas “Nick” Jahnke 75, of Sterling, ND. Our wonderful Husband, Father, and Grandfather, who passed away peacefully on 10-30-25 with his wife, daughter, and granddaughter at his side after a brief illness.

A celebration of life will be held  at 2:00 PM, Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Flash's Place, Sterling, ND. A burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. 

He was born in Fargo to Kenneth & Ruth Roden Jahnke. He joined an older brother Kenny and sister Debbie. He grew up in Casselton, graduated from Casselton High School where he enjoyed playing football and getting into trouble every once in a while.

He went to work for the Great Northern Railroad right out of high school for a short time until he enlisted in the Navy in June of ‘69 and served on the USS Gridley ship (DLG-21) until Feb. 1973 when he was honorably discharged. He went back to work for the BNSF railroad for 40-plus years. Then retired and enjoyed spending time with his friends and his Bud Light. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with his hunting dogs whom he loved dearly!

He married Patricia (Patty) Stroh Tappen, ND, his lifelong wife of 48 1/2 years on March 4th, 1977. To this union one daughter was born, Nicole Ann. In 2005 he got a granddaughter, Tobie, who was his pride and joy. He was proud of his family.

He is survived by his wife Patty; daughter, Nicole; and granddaughter, Tobie; his in-laws, Yvonne (Dennis) Fike, Karen Bodvig, Tammie (Don) Meidinger, Shannon (Bruce) Thorsness, Dean (Twyla) Stroh, Shelly Puklich (Brent Job), Kent Stroh, (Thi Trang Nguyen); and many nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth & Ruth; grandparents; his brother, Kenny; sister, Debbie; and many aunts & uncles. His mother-in-law and his father-in-law Harold and Delores Stroh; his brother-in-law, Rodney Bodvig; and Patty’s grandparents; and his furry hunting buddies.

As Nick always said: “Ten or twelve more and I’m out of here!”

Memorials can be made to Furry Friends Rockin’ Rescue, P.O. Box 7364 Bismarck, 58507 or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Rest in peace, my Nick, you will be loved & missed forever!