He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II about the USS LST 712 in the Pacific Theatre. He entered service on April 23, 1944 and was honorably discharged on May 15, 1946 as a QM 2/C. During his lifetime, he worked for the railroad, was a surveyor, flooring refinisher and industrial plant maintenance worker/supervisor for W.D. Gunnells, Arthur Brothers and H.B. Zachary. He was also co-owner of sandblasting, painting and furniture refinishing businesses.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Mary Evelyn Lemke; his children, David. G. Lemke and wife, Phyllis Hamilton, Linda L. Novosad and husband, James C. Novosad, Susan L. Garner, Dwain L. Lemke and Dayle G. Lemke and wife, Elizabeth Lemke; granddaughter, Heather Williams; and sister, Dora Mae Altman.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Alton Lemke and Jimmy Wayne Lemke; sisters, Rosalee Lemke and Pauline Sievers.
The family gratefully acknowledges the compassionate care he received from his personal caregivers, Hospice and the staff of Whispering Oaks Manor in Cuero.
Memorials may be given to the First English Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hospice or Wood High Cemetery Assn, 5476 Midway Road, Inez, Texas 77968 or donor’s choice.
Private funeral services will be held at a later date.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com.
