Josephine Marie Schlembach

Josephine Marie (Winkeljohann) Schlembach, 94, passed peacefully on August 9, 2024, surrounded by family. A first-generation American, born February 15, 1930, to August and Marie Winkeljohann in Hamilton, Ohio, and married to Gottfried Schlembach in 1953 who preceded her in death following 65 years of marriage. Also preceding her in death are her parents; siblings Harry, Albert, Marian (Tabler), and Hilda (Kettman); grandson Jeremy Schlembach and son Paul Joseph Schlembach. She is survived by children Gottfried, Jr. (Patricia), NC; Stephen, OH; Linda (Brent) Turner, OH; Janet (Chris) Barrington, GA; Mark (Susan), OH; John, FL; Mary Jo (Ed) Suddath, MD; 8 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.

Josephine graduated from Notre Dame High School in Hamilton. She was a long-time member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church and the Young-at-Heart Club, The Liberty Home Association, Kolping Sangerchor, and the German-American Citizens League. She enjoyed traveling, having visited every Capital in the 50 United States, and to many different countries. Those who knew Josephine witnessed her energy, humor, and positive loving spirit. She approached everyone and any new experience with enthusiasm, love, and open-mindedness. For the past 5 1/2 years she lived with her daughter in Reynoldsburg, and although dementia stole her memories and ability to converse, she continued to impress and endear herself to others. Always giving, her last selfless act was to leave her body to science.

A memorial mass will be held on September 7th, 11:00 am at Queen of Peace Catholic Church with a Celebration of Life following. Donations in her name may be made to the German American Citizens League c/o 2109 Clareglen Drive #302, Crescent Springs, KY 41017, or to Mount Carmel Hospice, 1144 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.schoedinger.com.