OBITUARY: Jerome A. “Jerry” Lemke

Jerome A. “Jerry” Lemke, age 88, of Brillion, died on Monday, December 14, 2020 at Holy Family Memorial Hospital in Manitowoc.

He was born September 20, 1932 in the Town of Charlestown, son of the late Walter & Viola (Krueger) Lemke.

Jerry devoted prime years of his life serving in the United States Army in Korea where he was trained in the electrical trade. During his service, Jerry learned all that was necessary to become an electrician, and enjoyed having dinner with 5 Star Generals when the opportunities presented themselves.

Following his honorable discharge, he married Marlene Loose on September 23, 1961 at St. John St. James Lutheran Church. He owned and operated Lemke Electric and constantly relied on his beloved bookkeeper, Marlene, to keep everything orderly and in tip-top shape.

He was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Rantoul where he served in nearly every capacity he could for the benefit of Christ’s work in our world. His dedication and devotion as a member of Trinity’s School Board, Trustee and Chairman have helped shape the mission and ministry of Trinity Lutheran Church, Rantoul.

In his free time, Jerry appreciated moments where he could get away from his phone. Often times, this would be out hunting, fishing, or just enjoying the great outdoors. In recent years, Jerry could be found having breakfast at Ethel’s in Brillion where heenjoyed visiting with old friends, or evenings having dinner with Marlene at the Covered Wagon in Manitowoc.

Although he was “retired”, Jerry would be seen at Krueger Electric, visiting with the crew and tending to inventory. He was an extremely patient man with a heart of gold who would give selflessly of himself to better the lives of those around him. Jerry was well known to fix mechanical problems with a roll of duct tape and a channel lock in order to keep the project in front of him moving along smoothly.

Survivors include his wife: Marlene; his children: Gail (Tom) Schuh, Richard (Kathleen) Lemke, Becky Thiel; grandchildren: Brittany (David) Schneider, Ashley Schuh, Hannah & Ian Lemke, Amelia (Brian) Collins; a great grandchild: Jackson Schneider; sisters-in-law: Geraldine Lemke & Laone Loose; and brothers-in-law: Donald (Jeanette) Loose and Randall Loose.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents: Walter & Viola; his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Milford & Rufina Loose; a brother: Donald Lemke; sisters: Darlene (Paul) Pilz, Caroline (William) Sullivan; an infant sister: Delores Lemke; a brother-in-law: Myron Loose; and a sister-in-law: Deborah Loose.

In an effort to keep all healthy, private family gatherings and services are taking place. Burial will be in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Rantoul. Please visit wietingfuneralhome.com for information for watching the live stream of Jerry’s service.

Jerry’s family would like to thank the entire staff of Holy Family Memorial Hospital for the loving care and compassion that was shown to Jerry, as well as his whole family.