Kenneth F. Lemke, age 91, died on Saturday, February 2, 2008. A brief bout of pneumonia cut short his goal of reaching 100 years.
Kenneth was born April 2, 1916 to Fred C. and Leona (Stroud) Lemke in a farmhouse built by his grandfather, Julius Lemke, in the Town of Washington, Wisconsin.
He attended school in Clintonville and later UW-Madison. He received his Professional Engineering license in 1945 and spent approximately the next 40 years building schools, churches, commercial, agricultural and industrial facilities throughout Wisconsin, including Perry Tipler Middle School and the Administration Building in Oshkosh.
Ken was an original. He always had the answer regardless of the topic; feisty, quick witted with strong opinions and a hand crushing grip. With a wink of his eye he would try to pull your leg, enjoying every minute of the experience.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Curtis, sister Marcella and by his two wives: Lydia, the mother of his children and his 2nd wife, Mary Jane.
He is survived by his children: Susan, Mary, Dave (Donna), Kathy (Jeff), Diane, Mark (Charko) plus Karen (John) and her children whom he embraced as his very own. He is further survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren that are scattered throughout the U.S.
Sincere thanks go to Dr. Michael Knier for the excellent care and to Chris and her staff at Northpoint Medical & Rehab for their dedicated, professional and compassionate care in Ken's final years. There are not words to express our gratitude.
Seefeld Family of Funeral Chapels is handling the details for cremation plans. A private gathering is being planned. Condolences may be given online at www.seefeldfuneral.com.
Memory
My mind lets go a thousand things,
Like dates of wars and deaths of kings,
And yet recalls the very hour-
'T was noon by yonder village tower,
And on the last blue noon in May-
The wind came briskly up this way,
Crisping the brook beside the road;
Then, pausing here, set down its load
Of pine-scents, and shook listlessly
Two petals from that wild-rose tree.
By Thomas Bailey Aldrich
Seefeld Funeral and Cremation Services
(920) 236-7750