Obituary of Wayne Lemke

Wayne O. Lemke passed away peacefully at home in Cambridge, MN, on April 14, 2014 surrounded by family. He was born on Nov. 10, 1925 to Henry and Susanna (Froelich) Lemke, at the family home in Zimmerman, MN. Wayne grew up on the family farm. He attended Zion Lutheran church and day school. He graduated in 8th grade and furthered his education with two years of agricultural school at the University of Minnesota. He enlisted in the Army and served in the military from September 1950 to September 1952 as a SGT (T) with a unit in Japan and Korea, receiving the Bronze Service Star and a medal from the Republic of Korea. After returning home from the military he continued farming with his dad. In May of 1956, Wayne was united in marriage to Lorraine Opatrny. He continued farming and began driving school bus for Princeton school district for many years. After Lorraine passed away, Wayne left farming and worked various jobs, later at Princeton Wood Products. In the summer of 1981, Wayne was united in marriage with Carolyn (Roiland) Mallum. They lived in the Cambridge area and brought two families together. They added one more daughter for a total of 14 children. After retiring from Precision Wood Products, he continued to work for Econo Foods in Cambridge for a short time. He enjoyed talking with people and carrying out groceries. Some of Wayne's many interests were helping others, spreading the gospel about Jesus, and working with wood. More than any other hobby, Wayne loved being around all of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Lemke, his children John (Patricia) Lemke of Zimmerman, Bonnie Lemke of Princeton, Richard (Catherine) Lemke of Princeton, Keith (Marilyn) Lemke of Byron, Debra Musgrove of Ramsey, Karen (Brian) Hoffman of Elk River, Nancy Hernandez of Lacy, WA., Peter (Diane) Lemke of Elk River, Richard Mallum of Maple Grove, Andrew (Patti) Mallum of Elk River, Joel Mallum of Sauk Rapids, Tiffany (Clint) Cahoe of Cambridge, and Amanda (Dan) Bolz of Cambridge. He is survived by 25 grandchildren, five great grandchildren, one sister Joyce (Lester) Peecher of Bloomington, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Lorraine, brothers Leo and Leroy, sisters Vera, Bernice, Wilma, and Lorine; and infant son Jerry, grandson Andrew, and step-son John Mallum.