Duane Edward “Butch” Janne, of Wilson, KS, passed away on December 1, 2022, at the Wilson Care and Rehabilitation Center in Wilson, at the age of 77. He was born on February 13, 1945, to Edward and Ella “Toots” (Phillips) Janne in Wilson.
Butch grew up in Wilson and graduated from Wilson High School in 1963. After high school. he played Minor League AA Baseball as a pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles in Stockton, CA for 5 years. He then returned to Wilson and owned The Snack Shack until 1971. He then built a gas station called D.J. Short Stop. After selling the gas station in the early '90s, he started working in the car business and worked for Cunningham Motors until he opened Blue Stem Auto in Wilson. He also started a guide hunting service at this time that is still in business today. He loved to hunt coyotes, turkeys, and deer. Butch’s passion for baseball led him to coach many baseball and softball teams; and many people in the area learned the game from him. He was a member of the Lutheran Church in Wilson.
Butch is survived by his children, Mark Janne (Shawndra) of New Braunfels, TX and Lisa Dinkel (Brandon) of Russell, KS; brother, Marvin Janne (Joann) of Gilbert, AZ; sisters, Marilyn Burkhead of Mesa, AZ and Carol Kyner (Dave) of Lawrence, KS; and 5 grandchildren: Isabela Dinkel, Easton Dinkel, Ridge Janne, Paisley Janne, and Jett Janne.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Ella.
Butch was passionate, driven, and strong. His ambition and talent allowed him to put his heart into everything he did. Although he will be greatly missed, his love and memories will be with us forever.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at 2PM at the funeral home in Wilson. Visitation will be held on Monday 1PM until 8PM with the family receiving friends 6PM to 8PM at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to The Family of Butch and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overelease Funeral Home, 610 24th St, PO Box 533, Wilson, KS 67490.