Colonial
Springs
Reflections
Volume 29, Issue 4
April 2018
Colonial Springs Healthcare Center is an affiliate of CMH, Bolivar, Mo., 417-326-6000
Facility Location: 750 West Cooper, Buffalo, Mo. 65622, 417-345-2228
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Resident Spotlight 1
Facebook 1
Resident Pictures 2
Upcoming Activities 2
Calendar of Events 3
Resident Birthdays 4
New Residents 4
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Res id e nt S po t li gh t :
G e n e Ja nke
Gene Janke was born March 11,
1931, to Gene and Katherine Janke
in Hartford City, Ind. Gene was an
only child. He began his schooling
in Indiana, but finished it in Ohio.
He graduated from Lewisburg High
School in 1949. That same year he
joined the Marines. Gene’s basic
training was in California, so he and
his buddy road motorcycles across
the country to their destination.
“That was quite a feat,” says Gene.
“To make a long story short, my
face was paralyzed by the time I got
there.”
It was here that Gene met Ila
Simonds. One night Gene and his
friend were cruising around town in
his 1951 Chevy convertible. Ila and
her sister were cruising as well.
Gene got Ila’s attention by ringing a
bell on his car and it was love at
first sight.
Gene served our country over-
seas during the Korean War, as a
radio operator. He was discharged
in 1953 as a Staff Sergeant. He
went back to California and he and
Ila were married April 16, 1954.
The Janke’s had four children.
Sandy lives in Oklahoma; Nancy re-
sides in Thornfield, Mo.; Ronnie
lives in Long Lane; and John resides
in Mack’s Creek. The couple also
have four grandchildren and two
great grandchildren.
After their marriage, the Janke’s
moved to Nebraska, for a short
time, to help Ila’s uncle farm. Then
they moved back to Lewisburg, Ohio
for a few months, and then back to
California. While in California, Gene
belonged to a motorcycle club that
raced at different venues on the
weekends. He won several trophies
of which he is very proud of.
In 1960, Gene purchased some
land in Elkland and the entire family
moved one last time. Gene started
his own trucking business, and
delivered merchandise across the
U.S. for the next 30 plus years.
Gene is a joy to be around, but
the one person he wants to spend
his day with is Ila, the love of his life
for almost 64 years.
Are you a caring individual who would like to assist in caring for the elderly?
Colonial Springs Healthcare Center has opportunities in its volunteer and nursing program.
For more information call Theresa Dill, administrator, today at 417-345-2228.