Events
Visitation
The Garden Place: This is the Place Heritage Park, 2601 E. Sunnyside Ave., Salt Lake CityTuesday Oct 8, 2024 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Funeral Service
The Garden Place: This is the Place Heritage Park, 2601 E. Sunnyside Ave., Salt Lake CityTuesday Oct 8, 2024 10:30 AM
Interment (private, by invitation only)
Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E 1300 S, Salt Lake CitySpencer Wells Janke
November 10, 1980 – September 18, 2024
Spencer Wells Janke, 43, passed away on September 18, 2024, after a shortened but full life. Spencer was well loved by family, friends and strangers alike due to his outgoing personality and his sincere interest in others. His big smile, inexhaustible energy, and friendly, loud voice would light up every room, and no one ever felt ignored when they were around Spencer. He was gifted with the ability to draw people together in fun and laughter. He could connect instantly, remembering everyone’s name and details about their lives. He was truly an amazing talent and will be missed by all.
Born in Redmond, Washington, on November 10, 1980, Spencer was the third of four boys born to David and Michelle Janke. At age 3, Spencer learned to water-ski, and from then on, his life was full of excitement and adventure. Ultimately, the family settled in Sandy, Utah, where Spencer instantly made friends and spent his boyhood years. He did well in school, zipped through merit badges as a Boy Scout, and excelled in swimming, diving, and gymnastics.
After serving an LDS mission to Houston, Texas, where he became fluent in Spanish, Spencer completed his education and graduated with a degree in communications from the University of Utah. He then pursued a career in residential real estate, resulting in numerous relationships and long-lasting friendships. Long past the closing date, his interactions with clients brought him joy, numerous referrals, and great career satisfaction. Spencer’s “friend to everyone” attitude and sincere interest in others set him apart from others.
Spencer loved the mountains and found great joy in extreme adventures. He ran in long distance trail-running competitions, heli-skied in the high mountains of Colorado and Canada, and hiked to the top of the highest mountains in the Western States. He and his father spent dozens of nights together in tents pitched on high-altitude glaciers or at basecamps before early morning ascents. When rock climbing, he insisted on leading in order to shield his father from danger. The highlight of his mountaineering adventures was a two-week climbing trip to the Alps in Southern France and Switzerland, where he and his dad summited Mont Blanc and five other world-renowned peaks. Spencer seemed to have been born for the mountains and adventured there with skiing and trail running throughout his adult life.
Spencer had a special relationship with his mother, frequently calling her to check in, to share some excitement, or to talk over matters of importance. Their similar personalities and shared interests forged an emotional bond that helped lift each other up. To show his love and appreciation, he sent notes, made surprise visits, and shared lots of hugs. Although the sudden loss of a child is among the greatest sorrows, his mother finds comfort knowing that Spencer is at peace.
Family was always number one in Spencer’s life. On February 20, 2009, he married his beautiful and talented wife, Lindsay, whom he loved dearly. She, the intelligent, well-organized, and steady one, and he, the high-energy, outgoing, spontaneous one with hundreds of “besties,” were meant for each other. She was his constant support, and he was her biggest cheerleader. To support her during PA school, he would sit with her on the couch, watching TV with headphones on while she studied. They skied together, climbed together, biked together, and hiked together, and as little Layton joined their lives, she fit snugly in his backpack. Their family was thrilled to settle in the Yalecrest area and created a life in close proximity to their favorite activities. They frequently attended ball games, theater productions, neighborhood walks and enjoyed eating out downtown. Traveling also brought them close together, sharing memorable trips across the globe, a highlight being their 10th-anniversary trip to Australia. Recently, the three of them fulfilled Layton’s dream, experiencing an unforgettable week in New York City. Of course, boating trips were yet again ways to bring family and friends together.
Oh, how he loved their daughter, Layton Marie! “Dad” was Spencer’s favorite title, and Layton was the center of his world. He treasured their mornings together as he helped ready her for school and drove her there every morning. When Spencer came home at night, they would race to see who could be the first to yell, “I love you; you are my favorite!” Layton would tell her friends that she could do anything she put her mind to because her daddy said so. Lindsay and Layton were, and always will be, the focus of Spencer’s life. Moments before he passed away, he asked his family and closest friends to “please take care of my girls.”
Spencer and Lindsay loved socializing and entertaining friends at parties in their home or outdoor outings. He wanted his house to be a gathering place for his family’s many friends. They hosted dinner parties, Christmas parties, Friendsgiving, and pool parties. Spencer often got carried away and invited more guests than contemplated, further demonstrating his philosophy of, “the more the merrier.”
Although dealing with his own struggles, he developed empathy and compassion for people going through tough times and was always the first to call with words of comfort. Day or night, if someone needed help, Spencer would drop everything to be there for them.
Spencer leaves behind so many whom he loved and who miss him sorely. He is survived by his wife, Lindsay (Layton); his daughter, Layton Marie; father and mother, David and Michelle; and brothers Clark, Richard (Heather Oliphant), and Cameron (Katie Walsh). Extended family members include numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and nieces, all of whom adored him. The children will never forget Uncle Spencer, who wrestled them on the floor, carried them on his back, tickled them, threw them to the sky, and landed them in his arms. Everyone loved Spencer.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 8 at The Garden Place, This is the Place Heritage Park, 2601 E. Sunnyside Ave., in Salt Lake City. An opportunity to greet the family, mingle with friends, and say goodbye to Spencer will be held at the same location beginning at 9 AM, and the funeral will follow immediately at 10:30 AM. By invitation only, a private graveside ceremony will occur prior to interment at the Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery, 2350 East 1300 South.
“A CANDLE BURNING TWICE AS BRIGHT CAN ONLY BURN HALF AS LONG”
Guestbook/Condolences
David and Michelle,
Heartfelt condolences on your painful loss. I retain extremely fond memories of Spencer and his exuberance for new and exciting experiences. He is in the arms of the angels now and at peace. Prayers for your family ,
Marie
Our love and prayers are with you and your family.
To the Janke family,
I am so saddened to learn of Spencer’s passing. I have fond memories of mutual
activities in the Glacial Park ward. Spencer was always smiling and was a friend to everyone. My heart goes out to Dave and Michelle, Cameron and Richard, and Lindsay and Layton Marie. May you feel the comforting power of the Holy Ghost and look forward to a day when all will be made whole and restored. Much love and prayers to your family.
Dear Janke family,
I’m so terribly saddened to hear about Spencer. My heart hurts for your entire family. We love and are so grateful for Spencer and the Janke family. You are loved by an entire community. Please know we are praying for and mourning with you. May the heavens open and God pour down His blessings upon the incredible Janke family at this time. Spencer was an amazing and talented man. He will be missed greatly.
Sending our sincere condolences to Spencer's wife, his daughter and his entire family. Spencer was such a bright light in our lives. He came into my life during one of the darkest times of my lives and worked his buns off for us and was smiling and kept our spirits up the entire time. He was there during the happiest times of our lives too and always so excited for us. He helped not just Scott and I but every one of my son's as well buy and sell homes over the years and I can tell you he worked so hard and cared even harder for each one of them.
Spencer, I know you're at peace and that makes our hearts happy but there is a huge hole in so many people's lives with you being gone from this earth. Thank you for sharing your life and love with us. You sir are going to be greatly missed. Hope you're flying high in all those beautiful mountains you loved so much! ❤️
Spencer was such a wonderful person and will be sorely missed. Janke Family, you are continually in our prayers.
My heart aches for all of this beautiful family. I am so sorry for your loss. I love everyone in your family
David & Michelle
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sorrowful time. Our children were of the same age and many memories of you all in the Glacial Park Ward. Our hearts are heavy and we send our love and blessings to you.
The Obituary is a fantastic tribute to Spencer. Memories are Forever!........
Very much blindsided by this; was totally unaware and now deeply saddened for his loss though also very touched at the salutation he sent me August 28th on my recent birthday. It was obviously very heartfelt and tender though I don’t think I saw it or responded until a week or two after. Sorry I didn’t get to see or hear from him again. For his family i want you to know that I got to live with the good man for a couple months back in the late spring of 2001 when we served together in the Victoria area of the Texas Houston South Mission. He was and eager and friendly but no-nonsense wherever he felt something to be … well nonsense. But he was kind in supportive when I was ill with the flu, diligent always in his work and companionship , and loving towards the people and to me as a companion- and I think he was wise beyond his years. I figure though none of this should be a surprise to you, he was blessing to me and though i only got to see him once after the mission, in or around the winter of ‘08/‘09, I remember him well and will forever remember him fondly. May God’s loving comfort and tender mercies shine through to you, his dear family and friends, at this time. Much love and heartfelt prayers felt for you all from us in Mississippi.
Spenser could light up a room. He had a special way with kids and he was their favorite ❤️
He will be deeply missed. It still feels unreal.
I’m here for the family however needed.
Extremely saddened by your loss.
Dear Lindsay,
I was sweet Layton's Pre-School teacher at MCS in the Toddler Program. Spencer was always such a warm presence and I could see how special his relationship was with Layton during their tender drop offs and pickups. I am so sorry to you and Layton for this immeasurable loss. May your memories bring you joy and peace.
With love,
Lindsay McMullin
I just love Spencer and I hope the family will be ok. I know this is very Hard and I will be praying for all of you. I know it will be so hard on the family
I met Spencer in his late teenage years, and what an amazing person who was full of life! Hugs to all the family in this celebration of life!
Dear David and Michelle,
We are so very sorry for this loss. He was obviously an amazing son, husband, and father, and lived his life to the fullest! Our hearts hurt for you, but we know that he is in the loving hands of those who have passed before and our Father in Heaven. Please know that we love you both and you are in our prayers.
Al and Dee Ann
Dave & Michelle,
I am greatly saddened to learn of the loss of your son, something no parent should have to endure. Kathy and I express our sincere condolences to you and your family at this time.
Gary & Kathy Starr
Dear Dave:
I can't express enough my condolences for the loss of your son Spencer!!
He looks like such a great son in his pictures and I'm sure being your son
he was. I'm really heartbroken for you because you are the finest person
I've had the pleasure to know and you do not deserve such a terrible
thing as the loss of a son. God Bless you Dave and you will forever be
in our hearts!
Rick and Patty Johnson
Dear Lindsay and Layton,
Phil and I will be forever grateful to have known Spencer. He was a super dad and “uncle” to so many.
My heart goes out to you both. Love you!
Although I didn't know Spencer personally I do know his Dad and share their passion for the mountains. I often heard details of their adventures and remember especially learning of their Mont Blanc climb during the same summer I was hiking in the area. My thoughts are with Dave and the family for your great loss.
Dear Lindsay; My most sincere condolences to you and Layton. You will be in my prayers for your future. No words of mine can ease the pain for your loss. You must be strong for your daughter.
You have my deepest sympathy, God Bless
Steve
Dear Lindsay; My most sincere condolences to you and Layton. You will be in my prayers for your future. No words of mine can ease the pain for your loss. You must be strong for your daughter.
You have my deepest sympathy, God Bless
Steve
To Janke Family, my condolences for the loss of your son. Although, I never knew him I worked and shared great times with Dave many years ago at Evans & Sutherland. Dave had always inspired me for his wisdom. Dave, may God bless Spencer’s soul and give the Janke family the strength to cope with this great loss.
My thoughts to all the family at this sad time. Hopefully the joyous memories you all share will help the family to move forward. Be well and be good to each other.
I was Janke's trainer when he started mission, we were together for many months and became good friends. After his mission we stayed in touch and we hung out a few times to catch up. I have followed his life and him mine. He was a great guy, someone that you wanted in your life and felt connected to. So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
I was saddened to hear of Spencer’s passing. I was Spencer’s homeroom teacher during his middle school years in Sandy. He was a delightful teenager and a pleasure to be around. I enjoyed his friendliness, sense of humor, and kindness to everyone. He was a great kid, and grew into a great adult. We will miss him.
I am so sorry for your loss. Spencer was a wonderful person.