John William Lemke

John William "Bill" Lemke, 92, of Wellington, passed away on Monday, December 11, 2017. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 5, 1925 to the late William A. and Alma (Neumann) Lemke. Bill grew up in Wisconsin living both at home and with his sister Ruth to help on the farm which he truly enjoyed. His mother was gifted in music and passed this wonderful trait on to her children, including Bill who played guitar, banjo and his favorite Hawaiian (steel) guitar. He was a 1943 graduate of Marinette High School. After high school he joined the Army Air Corps and obtained the rank of Corporal. He later moved to Bay Village, Ohio after his time in the service, and joined his brother Gene in business as manufacturer representatives traveling nearby states. After Gene moved to Florida, he continued the business. Longing for the country and wanting to be home more, the family moved to Wellington in December of 1965 and he began a new business venture.

He enjoyed his family, the outdoors, hunting, inventing and was always looking for a better way to do a project. He had a special gift of working with animals both tame and wild. Waching football and baseball as well as other sports on tv was a favorite pastime. Bill made the best reuben sandwiches.

Survivors include children; Karen A. Murray of Rochester, William (Judy) Lemke of Wellington, Daniel (Theresa) Lemke of Rochester; grandchildren, Beth Murray, Laura (Paul) Dowdell, Justin (Kathleen) Lemke, Jennifer Lemke, Amanda Phelps, Brittany (Matthew) Potts, and Jason (fiance' Caci) Lemke). Great grandchildren include John, Lillian, Adele and Adam Dowdell, Hannah, Abigail and Robert Lemke. Also, Sahara, Finley and River Potts. Two sisters survive, Mary Ann Langhenrich (Earl) of Grafton Wisconsin and Lois Gerone (Peter) of Folsom, Louisiana; also sister-in-law Kay and husband Richard Groff of Cordova, Alaska.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Lillian; infant daughter, Debra Jean and grandchildren Scott William Murray and great granddaughter Amelia Rose Lemke. Besides his parents, siblings Gene, Ruth, Esther, Eunice, Betty, infant twin sisters Myra and Miriam, and Nancy also preceded him in death. Also, brother-in-law Jack and wife Shirley Karner.

A private family service was held at Greenwood Cemetery, Wellington. Arrangements were entrusted to Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 S. Main Street, Wellington.

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