Robert Edward Jahnke, 57, of Sedro-Woolley, passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2024.

Rob was a man with a big booming voice (always heard before he was seen) and a body to match; and with that big body came the best bear hugs ever (of which he was more than happy to oblige). He was a man who was NEVER short of an opinion and known by all to NEVER be short on words. He had a sparkle in eyes, a dirty mind, and his laughter and smile were contagious; and there is nobody that will ever be able to tell a story like he did.

Rob was born May 3, 1966 at United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley, WA. His mom, Sally (Esary, Jahnke) Crawford has just become a widow. His father, PFC Ronald E. Jahnke, was killed in action on January 8, 1966 in Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam. In August that same year, when Robby was just 3 months old, his mom married his “new” dad, Roger Crawford. Together they raised their three boys: Robby and his two brothers, Dennis and Jimmy, and boy were they a handful!

Rob attended school in Sedro Woolley, graduating in 1984 followed by earning a certificate in heavy equipment mechanics from Bellingham Vo-Tech. Over the years, he would go on to acquire a number of certifications in a variety of fields.

He was a man of many professions but most notably he was a highly skilled heavy equipment operator, diesel and auto mechanic, marine technician, and industrial maintenance technician. On the side, he could be found honing his skills as an incredibly talented gunsmith and diagnostic technician, his true labors of love. There was nothing he could not build, fabricate, repair or restore… and any job he did was guaranteed to be done “up to code”, by “industry standards”, and per the “manufacturers specifications”.

In 1988, he married Nancy Soren and together they had two children, a son, Sean and a daughter, Jorden. In 1999, Rob was re-acquainted with Jodie Glenn (thanks to the kids). A wedding followed a year later and together they raised their three kids: Sons, Sean Jahnke & Andrew Rayfield and Daughter Jorden (Soren-Jahnke) Rosa.

He loved having the wind in his hair, be it on a motorcycle, in a car with the windows down or out somewhere on a boat. He enjoyed going for long drives on backroads, stargazing, camping in remote spots from Sedro-Woolley to Winthrop, and vacations in Seaside, Oregon; but most of all, Rob loved his family and friends, more than they will ever know.

He is survived by his wife, Jodie; sons, Sean and Andrew; daughter, Jorden; two grandchildren, Noah and Zayden Rayfield, his parents, Sally and Roger Crawford; his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Julie Crawford; many Aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Edward Jahnke, Private First Class, M CO, 3RD BN, 3RD MARINES, 3RD MARDIV, III MAF, United States Marine Corps.; his brother, Dennis E. Crawford; grandparents, Clarence and Edith Esary and John and Rosalee Crawford, his uncle Ralph Esary, daughter-in-law, Kristen (Seyler) Jahnke, aunt and uncle, Jerry and Sharon Jahnke; his best friend and companion, Bill (aka, the “stupid dog”).

Rob made his wishes well known, the first being ”no funeral or memorial, just have a big party!”

In honor of that request, please join us for a BBQ/Potluck to celebrate Rob’s life (and birthday) Friday, May 3, 2024 at 5pm at the Crawford family home, 801 Jennings Street, Sedro-Woolley.

As for his second and final request… “Plant me next to the stupid dog.” You got it, big guy! Share your memories of Rob and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com.