By Nicole Hamilton
The Cincinnati Enquirer

KENWOOD - Harry E. Jahnigen was an administrator for Sycamore Township, a superintendent for the township, and former chief of the Rossmoyne Fire Department.

He was also a loving father and husband.

"Very active," is how his wife of 58 years, Helen Jahnigen, described her husband. "When he did work (for the township) he always made sure he did it correctly and on time, but he always had a sense of humor, just a lot of fun."

Mr. Jahnigen died Thursday at Hospice of Cincinnati in Blue Ash, while recovering from bypass surgery. The Kenwood resident was 80.

Raised in Oakley, Mr. Jahnigen graduated from Withrow High School and shortly after enlisted in the Army to serve in World War II.

He was stationed in Europe, and was in the D-Day Invasion and the Battle of the Bulge.

Honorably discharged after the war, Mr. Jahnigen returned to Cincinnati and began working in construction, eventually starting a construction company, Jahnigen and Sons, with his father.

From the late 1970s, for about 10 years, he served with the Rossmoyne Fire Department, working his way up from fireman to chief.

He then became superintendent of Sycamore Township, and later the township's administrator.

"Back when he started as superintendent, Sycamore Township was small, and he would get out there and plow the snow himself," his wife said.

For many years, Mr. Jahnigen planned the Memorial Day Parade for Silverton, Deer Park and Sycamore Townships.

He was a member of the Hartzell United Methodist Church, the VFW Post 3744, and active in the Boy Scouts.

A brother, Robert Jahnigen; and a grandson preceded him in death.

Besides his wife, other survivors include a daughter, Hope Bronner of Loveland; a son, Greg Jahnigen of Mariemont; a sister, Ruth Meissner of College Hill; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A memorial service will be 7 p.m. Tuesday at Hartzell United Methodist Church, 8999 Applewood Drive, Blue Ash.

The body was cremated.

Memorials may be made to Hartzell United Methodist Church, 8999 Applewood Drive, 45236, or to Hospice of Cincinnati, P.O. Box 633597, Cincinnati, 45263-3597.

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E-mail nhamilton@enquirer.com