John Danklef (Veteran)

John "Jack" W. Danklef, 82, of Jefferson City, passed away Tuesday, March 22, 2011, at Boone Hospital in Columbia. He was born September 2, 1928, in St. Louis, son of the late Herman and Jewel (Wright) Danklef. On January 30, 1954, he was united in marriage to Carolyn Ann Bunch, who preceded him in death on October 17, 2003. Jack was a graduate of Mexico High School in Mexico, and went on to graduate from Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Before he joined the Missouri State Highway Patrol, he taught Geography and History at Rolla High School in Rolla, Missouri. Jack was appointed to the Missouri State Highway Patrol in September 1955, and served in Troop B, Shelby County, for 11 years. During that time, he served as a road officer, assistant safety officer and assistant evidence technician, often all at the same time. In July 1966, he was promoted to Sergeant and assigned to General Head Quarters in the Personnel Division. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1974 and to Captain and Director of the Personnel Division in 1981. Captain Danklef also served as Vice-Chairman of the Highway Department-Highway Patrol life insurance program and as President of the Highway Credit Union. He was transferred to the District Commanders' Office in December 1982. Captain Danklef was very active in athletics and was on the Patrol's Police Olympic basketball team. Known as "The Claw", Jack also enjoyed playing basketball against the recruits, other state agencies, or anyone who cared to challenge him 'under the boards'. He was a member of Capital West Christian Church, the Missouri State Troopers Association, the American Legion Shelbina Lodge No. 228 AF & AM in Shelbina and was a member of the Mexico High School Hall of Fame. Jack is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, David and Janet Danklef of Jefferson City; four daughters and sons-in-law, Cynthia and Van Page of Lebanon, Lori and Daryl Bopp of Lohman, Jana and Mark Bopp of Jefferson City, Gail and James Grob of Holts Summit; one sister, Jean Berlekamp of Albany; seven grandchildren, Michael Page (wife Angela), Blake Bopp (wife Kadie), Christopher Bopp, Ryan Bopp, Kaylyn Bopp, Jennifer Grob, Hope Grob; one great-granddaughter, Karis Page and a special friend, Dean Wekenborg of Jefferson City. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Herman Danklef Jr., and a grandson, Stephen Charles Page. Friends will be received from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2011, at Capital West Christian Church, 1308 Fairgrounds Road in Jefferson City, where funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Ken Harland officiating. Interment with full military honors and Missouri State Highway Patrol honors will follow at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial donations to be made to the Capital West Christian Church Building Fund, 1308 Fairgrounds Road, Jefferson City, MO 65109; the Samaritan Center; the American Cancer Society; or the Disabled American Veterans. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com