Gerhard “Gary” Lemke, 97 years, passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Harvest Home Assisted Living, Mount Pleasant, WI.
He was born November 18, 1927, in Kenosha, WI, the son of the late Ferdinand and Lydia (Ertner) Lemke. He attended St. Luke’s and Friedens Lutheran elementary schools, and Mary D. Bradford High School. At age 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving from 1945 to 1946 in San Diego, CA. When the war ended, he returned to Kenosha to complete his high school education. And, on June 11, 1949, Gary married Myrtle D. Ferch, his wife of 63. Gary worked as a machinist for Kelsey Welding and as Supervisor of Snap-on Inc. Special Tools Department. After 32 years, he retired in 1988 as the Supervisor of Snap-on’s Medical Products Fabrication Department. Gary’s lifelong love for singing included the Friedens Church Adult Choir for 50+ years, the U.S. Navy Blue Jacket Choir, Snap-on Male Chorus, for which he was President. MGV Harmonia, as well as performing as a soloist for weddings and funerals. In his later years, Gary was a member of the Tuesday Evening Misfits Chorale and String Ensemble, which was a small group of friends who would perform on request.
Gary and Myrt moved to Left Foot Lake in Crivitz, WI for their retirement years. He was an avid lifelong fisherman spending many hours on the lakes. He became a woodworker during retirement, turning many beautiful bowls, some of which won ribbons at the county fair. He then returned to Kenosha in 2018. Gary was very active in his spiritual life leading bible study at Library Terrace Assisted Living during the Covid Pandemic, and continuing on at Harvest Home Assisted Living. But, perhaps, Gary is best known by family and friends alike for having a joke or story for any and every occasion.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Myrtle, sister Gerda Jensen of Connecticut, son-in-law Michael Turek, 2 nephews, 1 niece and 2 great nieces.
Survivors include his sister Nancy (Samuel) Kaprelian of Greenfield, WI; his brother Lary Lemke (Loretta Colter) of Ocala FL; his children: David Lemke (Lynne Goelzer) of Muskego, WI; William Lemke (Gayle Huber) of Pleasant Prairie, WI; and Kathleen Turek of Kenosha, WI. He was blessed with 6 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter.
Funeral service will be held on December 18, at 12:00 at New Life Lutheran Church in Somers, WI. Interment will follow at Sunset Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 11:00 until time of service.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to those who provided exceptional care for Gary at Library Terrace, Harvest Home, and Hospice Alliance. And, to the pastors of New Life Lutheran for sharing God’s Word with Gary.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to New Life Lutheran Church would kindly be appreciated.
