Harold C. Jaffke

Harold C. Jaffke

October 13, 1940 - November 16, 2013

Harold C. Jaffke

October 13, 1940 - November 16, 2013

Obituary

Harold Carl Jaffke Jr. (“Whitey”)

Resided in Mission Viejo, California for 40 years. Died November 16, 2013 at the age of 73 as a result of a traffic accident.

Harold was born October 13, 1940 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Harold Carl Jaffke Sr. and Hermina Jaffke. He was the youngest of four children and the only son. Harold graduated from Pulaski High School in Milwaukee in 1958. He attended Spencerian Business College, where he met Janice Linek. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree, he and Janice were married on September 15, 1962.

He began his career as a Sales Engineer in Metallurgy with Ampco Metal in Milwaukee, which led to relocations to Washington and California. After over 20 years with Ampco, he began working for Techni-Cast Corporation so that he could keep his family in California. Twenty-nine years later, he retired at age 71.

Harold’s passion for motorcycle riding began at the age of 16 and stayed with him his whole life. He also enjoyed sports, playing football in high school and baseball in early adulthood. He was a loyal Green Bay Packers fan and always enjoyed watching their games anytime they were on TV. He loved to travel, visiting various European countries as well as numerous places throughout the United States.

But his strongest devotions were to God and family. He was raised Roman Catholic and remained a practicing Catholic his entire life. Harold was devoted to his wife, Janice, to whom he was married 51 years and had three children: Jane, Matthew and Sarah. His life remained centered around the wide variety of children’s interests and activities. He eventually influenced his wife to participate in motorcycle club activities, where she learned to drive her own motorcycle and consistently accompanied him on club trips.

He considered his greatest achievement to be his growing family and he cherished every moment he spent with them. He adored all eight of his grandchildren and was so proud to see each of them grow in their faith in Jesus Christ.

Harold is survived by his wife, Janice; his children, Jane (Gary Griffin), Matthew (Amy Jaffke), and Sarah (Shannon Flynn); grandchildren Emily, Siena, Stephen, Juliet, Lauren, Gary, Aiden and Riley; and his sister Dolores (Robert Romans).

Mass will be celebrated on Monday, November 25th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Kilian Roman Catholic Church, 26872 Estanciero Dr., Mission Viejo, California 92691.

A reception will follow at Lake Mission Viejo Clubhouse, 22555 Olympiad Rd., Mission Viejo, CA 92692.

Further information may be provided by O’Connor Mortuary by calling (949) 581-4300.

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4 responses to Harold C. Jaffke

  1. I have a few wonderful memories. Meeting Harold with Jan at a dance- not sure if they were married yet-as they lightly skipped around and around the floor. They had a cute little hoppy step. Being in their wedding party and sharing their special day. Years later I went out to CA. to visit with my daughter and Harold made pizza from scratch. I had to laugh when he brought out the vacuum to remove the excess flour off the dough. After baking it tasted great, yum. Last year celebrating their 50 anniversary which was beautiful. Going to the beach for lunch by the ocean and celebrating Harold’s & Jan’s & Ellen’s birthday. I am so thankful for their visit to Milwaukee in October and letting me spend a day with them and inviting me to celebrate Harold’s birthday.

    I know, Harold, you are happy with God but I will miss you. Marsha Dzioba

  2. Gayla Bray says:

    I knew Harold (Harry as we called him for a nick name) for 15 years at Techni_Cast. When you are co-workers you become very close. And that we were. We would bump heads quite a bit with that German blood he had. We also were able to talk about religion and he was very close to “God”. He taught me so much that I needed to learn about sales. I will never forget any of that. I too was at Harold’s and Jan’s 50th Anniversay and it was a very happy time for both of them. I will never forget Harry. I will always miss him. Gayla Bray, 11/23/13

  3. Sarah,

    Our deepest condolences are sent to you in this note. What a terrible shock for you and the rest of your family. Losing a parent takes time to process. It’s the little things, the small, everyday occurrences that you’ll remember. The laughs, the stories, the smiles. And even though it seems like you can never recover from your loss, it is these very memories that will help push the pain away and bring back the smiles. Please send our sympathy to your Mom, brother and sister, and all your loved ones.

    Cherrie, Sean, Megan & Melanie.

  4. Alice Flynn says:

    Jan, Sarah, Jane, Matthew and families. I was so saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing. To lose your life’s companion and your father is such a shock . To help you cope think of all the good times, bring all those happy memories to mind and rejoice in all those special moments with Harold. I only knew him a short time but he was always so welcoming, so pleasant and obviously such a kind and loving person. I am quite confident he is with God – and I would bet he’s looking down – wondering why all the fuss! You are all in our prayers.

    Alice Flynn, Brigus, Newfoundland, Canada

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