Harley LeRoy Janke, 68, died Sunday, March 6, 2011, at his home, following an extended (but bravely fought) illness. He had been under Hospice care since February 1. Harley was born on October 29, 1942, in Glendale, California, while his dad was employed in an aircraft factory during World War II. He was baptized in the chapel at Forest Lawn Cemetery near Glendale (because his mother thought it was a pretty little chapel). Harley and his parents Myrtle (Hansen) and Lester Janke moved back to Minnesota when Harley was about ten months old. They settled near Blooming Prairie, where they farmed for many years. Harley attended 'country school' through eighth grade and then attended high school at the Southern School of Agriculture near Waseca, graduating in 1960. He then attended Mankato Commercial College for one year, attaining a certificate in accounting. He was drafted into the U. S. Army and served as a company clerk in a M.A.S.H. unit in Germany. Following his honorable discharge, Harley was employed as an accountant at Owatonna Manufacturing Company for 19 years until it closed in 1986. He worked for Steele County Human Services as fiscal supervisor for 19 years before retiring in 2007. Harley was united in marriage to Nancy Brick in Owatonna on June 20, 1970. They had three children. Son Ricky died at the age of 15. Daughter Elin, her husband Joe Mamer, and their two daughters -- Libby and Frannie -- live in Shakopee, Minnesota. Daughter Becky, her husband Justin Lukes, and their two sons -- Jaymes Harley and Elliott -- live in Rochester, Minnesota. Harley learned to play the accordion at a very young age and enjoyed more than 15 years as a member of the North Stars Show (aka the Country North Stars). Many lifelong friendships were formed during those years -- they all knew how to have fun! He was diagnosed with Alpha One Antitrypsin Deficiency in 1998. The genetic disease affected his lungs and he was eventually diagnosed with emphysema/COPD. He had used oxygen 24/7 since 2006. He attempted to get on a lung transplant list in 2010, but was disappointed when he was told that would not happen. Harley taught himself the art of matting and framing and enjoyed that hobby for a number of years. He was a fan of NASCAR and really enjoyed riding his motorcycle -- which he traded for a Gold Wing trike when he went on oxygen. He was a 39-year member of the Eagles and also belonged to the Elks, the American Legion, and AmVets. He liked working in his yard and loved a good party. He and Nancy especially enjoyed travelling with friends. He is survived by his wife Nancy, his daughters, sons-in-law, and his four grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by his brother Dale Janke of Owatonna, his wife Margaret, and their three children. He was a much-loved member of Nancy''s family for more than 40 years -- Tom and Anna Marie Brick, Sue and Larry Martin, and Peggy and Gary Lair. He was Uncle Harley to his nieces and nephews. He is also survived by an aunt, a number of cousins, and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his son, his parents and grandparents, and several aunts and uncles. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Sunday, March 13, 2011, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The funeral will be at St. John Lutheran Church on Monday morning, March 14, at 10:30, with visitation at the church an hour before the service. Burial with military honors provided by the Steele County Military Funeral Unit will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Owatonna. 'Have as much fun as you can -- as often as you can.' Visitation: 03/13/2011 17:00 03/13/2011 20:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service at the church. 03/14/2011 10:30