William F Lemke

William Lemke, 85, of La Crosse/La Crescent passed away into eternal rest on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous fight with cancer. He was born on June 1, 1926 in La Crescent, MN to Herbert and Freida (Goede) Lemke. In 1948, he married H. Ann Trussoni and had five children. They were later divorced. In 1978 he married his second wife Florence (Helen), who preceded him in death.

Bill served in the Army-Air Force in the 1940s as a medic at Sheppard Air Base in Texas. He was a talented carpenter and dedicated iron worker, who took great satisfaction in his work. He was a proud member of Ironworkers Local 383 for over 50 years. In addition to woodworking, he enjoyed hunting, traveling and cooking. He was an avid reader. Family gatherings and building with his sons, son-in-law Rick and grandson Bill gave him great happiness. Rebuilding and fixing the many auction and garage sale finds of his daughters/granddaughters gave him particular joy. Most of all he enjoyed entertaining over a cup of coffee and making a little lunch for his guests.

He is survived by his children Charlotte Lemke of Arcadia, WI, Joan (Mark) Abraham, LaVonne (Rick) Beach, Lyle (Darcey) Lemke and Roy (Brenda) Lemke all of La Crescent. He is further survived by a sister-in-law Janice Lemke of Caledonia, MN; nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Florence, Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Edgar, Lester and Donald Lemke and a sister Ardell Hegland.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at Mt. Calvary Ev. Lutheran Church, 1411 S. 16th St., La Crosse. Pastor Robert Wassermann will officiate. Burial, with military honors, will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the Schumacher Kish Funeral Home in La Crescent on Tuesday from 4-7 PM and again at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the time of service. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Drs. Driscoll and Zlabek for their compassionate care.

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace in all times and in every way. (2 Thessalonians:3)