Leroy N. Lemke

On Monday, March 22nd, 2021, Leroy N. Lemke , 85, with his loving wife Betty next to him, passed away peacefully to be with our Lord. Leroy was at Hospice of Marion County, Cates House facility. Lee, as he liked being called, was born on 10-17-1936 in Clintonville WI. Raised at the family Cheese Factory in Pella, WI, Lee enjoyed sharing stories about his upbringing and life. Lee had a quick wit, and a gentle, sweet nature. He met the love of his life; Betty J. Behnke, while in high school and they were married in 1955 and raised 5 children. Lee worked the majority of his life at Morning Glory Dairy in DePere WI. An avid sportsman, Lee enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping outings with his family. Lee enjoyed pheasant hunting with his well trained and loyal German Wired Hair pointer, Tessy. He enjoyed training dogs. Lee also enjoyed family snowmobile trips and tobogganing in winter months. Lee was involved in the Cub Scouts serving as a leader in the mid to late 60s. He also was a church elder at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Green Bay, WI. The Lemke family were involved in many church activities during the 60's and 70's, because of Lee's dedication. Though Lee never became a choir member, his tenor voice was beautiful and his family enjoyed listening to him sing! The Lemkes later joined Faith Lutheran Church in Green Bay. As the children grew older, Lee enjoyed restoring his European cars with the help of his son Michael. Betty and Lee would take weekend drives, enjoying the restored Jaguar, M.G. and Jensen Healy. Lee also enjoyed annual trips to Daytona, FL for the 500 with his wife, son Michael and many friends. Lee worked very hard but also took time to enjoy life! Lee and Betty retired in Ocala, FL., where he struck up a passion for Golf, and can add a hole in one to his love of the sport! He loved his family and friends! In Lee's senior years he enjoyed gardening, smoking his pipe in his beautiful backyard oasis and most recently his puppy Lucy who gave him much joy!! He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Louis and Lucille Lemke, his brothers Don (Eileen), Gerald (Shirley residing in Wausau WI), his sister Carol (Bill) Druckery, his son Michael, and best buddy Dean (Alice) Sederstrom. Lee is survived by his wife Betty Lemke of Ocala, Fl., his children Steven (Darla) Lemke of Green Bay, WI, David (Kathy) Lemke of DePere, WI, Kim (Dimitri Bourtzakis) Lemke of Daytona Beach, FL and Debbie (Tony) Dailey of Naperville, IL. His 7 grandchildren Heidi, Daniel ( Nikki), Josh (Whitney), Drew, Matt, Jaime and Trisha, great grandchildren Jaylen, Madisyn, Landon, many dear nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors. A special thank you to Cates House Hospice and there exceptional care during Lee's final days here on earth, and also his dear Hillside East neighbors. A memorial service will be held in Green Bay, WI, April 17th, 2021 at Faith Lutheran Church, 2335 S. Webster, Ave. 54301, at 1pm, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you send donations to Cates House Hospice, P.O. Box 4860 Ocala, FL 34478. John 3:16 God so loved the world, that he gave His only Son, that whom should ever believe in Him shall not perish but have ever lasting life!!!