Leroy "Lee" E. Jahnke

Leroy “Lee” Jahnke Our dad, Lee, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 12, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Lee was born in Watertown on March 20, 1939 to Erwin and Margaret (Ullerich) Jahnke. He graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1957 and UW-Whitewater in 1962. On August 25, 1962 Lee married Mary Feiter and together they enjoyed 52 years of marriage. Mary preceded Lee in death in 2014.

After graduating from UW-Whitewater Lee was employed as an accountant for the State of Wisconsin and as a treasurer of the Village of Monona. In 1965 he became the first Chief Financial Officer at the Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital. He served in that capacity until 1980. During his tenure at the hospital he was very active in the state chapter of hospital financial managers (HFMA) having served as president in 1979.

In 1980 he left the healthcare field and started his own accounting firm - Business and Tax Systems. From sole ownership the firm has grown to four partners and as many as ten employees. Although he was no longer involved with the ownership of the firm he continued working there on a very part-time basis for many years. 

Lee has always been actively involved in the community. He held the office of treasurer of Koshkonong Mounds Country Club for many years. He served as treasurer for a number of organizations throughout his career including the Fort Chamber of Commerce, Fort Healthcare Partners and the Fort Atkinson Club. He also has been a member of the Fort Lions Club for over 50 years serving as its president in 1975 and having received its highest award (Melvin Jones Fellowship) in 1996. 

Lee enjoyed and actively participated in sports and also became an avid reader during his retirement years. He loved watching the Milwaukee Brewers. He was very proud of his 6 grandsons and cherished the time he spent with them. 

Lee is survived by his children: Steve (Anne) Jahnke, Kris (Mark) LeCaptain, Dave (Sharon) Jahnke. Six grandsons; Scott (Nicole) Jahnke, Eric Jahnke, Nick LeCaptain, Derik LeCaptain, Trey (Isabelle) Jahnke and Ty Jahnke. He is also survived by his two brothers, Ron (Marlene) Jahnke and Russ (Cherie) Jahnke. He was preceded in death by his sister, Kathy (Nelson) Van Gundy. 

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Friday, June 26th, from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Nitardy Funeral Home, 1008 Madison Avenue, Fort Atkinson. A memorial service celebrating Lee’s life will be held at 1:00 PM at the funeral home.

Our family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Rainbow Hospice (Johnson Creek), for the compassionate care, support, and kindness they provided to Lee and our family during his final months. Their dedication helped make it possible for Dad to remain fiercely independent and comfortable while remaining in his home, surrounded by those he loved.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial to Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek or the Fort Atkinson Lions Club.