John Lemke

Lifelong resident, farmer, and cattleman of Lawrence, Nebraska, John R. "Jack" Lemke, 91, died Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at Central Nebraska Veterans Home, Kearney. Visitation was from 3 to 7 p.m. with family present Sunday, June 9, at the Lawrence Funeral Home, and one hour before the service at the church. Rosary was at 10 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 10, at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, three miles south of Lawrence with Father Denton Morris officiating. Assisting at the Mass were: Jerry Miller as acolyte; Deb Murman as lector and John Skalka, Beau Hansen and Joel Skalka as servers. Amanda Skalka was the organist and Samantha Kreber and Sherri Buescher were vocalists. Gift bearers were Diane Krotzinger, Linda Kimminau and Chelle Pawloski.

Casket bearers were: Jeremy Lemke, Bryan Skalka, Ben Hansen, Tanner Lemke, Nigel Hoelting and Logan Menke. Honorary casket bearers were: Matt Cloet, George Welch, Gregg Schlueter, Matt Kreber, Jason Menke, Brayden Hoelting and Jeff Kathman.

Members of the Knights of Columbus Council 1906 and members of the Lawrence American Legion Post No. 45 stood as honor guard following the funeral ceremony. Burial with military honors by the Lawrence American Legion Post No. 45 and the Nebraska National Guard was at Sacred Heart Cemetery east of Lawrence. A luncheon was held at the Lawrence American Legion Hall following servides for family and friends. Memorials may be given to the Jack Lemke Memorial Fund for a memorial to be determined at a later date.

Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.mertenbutler.com. Merten Butler Mortuary served the family. Jack was born Sept. 20, 1932, to John G. and Bertha (Ostdiek) Lemke at Mount Clare, Nebraska. He dedicated his life to the land, working as a farmer in the Lawrence area for decades. He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend to many.

Jack was drafted into the Army during the Korean War on March 19, 1953, serving his country for two years. He received his high school diploma at the Red Cliff Colorado High School, a testament to his dedication and perseverance. 

On Oct. 18, 1955, Jack married the love of his life, Arlene Schroer. Their union was blessed with seven children: Don, Gary, Dale, Gregg, Carol, Randy and Peg. Jack was deeply committed to his family, instilling in them values of faith, love, loyalty and resilience.

Jack was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Lawrence American Legion Post No. 45, and the Knights of Columbus.

Jack enjoyed local gatherings, sharing his tales of life on the farm, his adventures during his military service and his deep-rooted love for his family and community. He found joy in connecting with others through his stories, leaving a lasting impression on those who had the pleasure of listening.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John G. and Bertha Lemke; brothers, Vernon Lemke and his wife Dorothy, and Arnold Lemke; sisters, Norma Skalka and her husband Joe and Lorene Friend and her husband Bob; brother-in-law, Bill Schroer; and sister-in-law, Bette Schroer.

In addition to his military and community service, Jack was known for his warm heart, unwavering faith and love of raising cattle. He will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Jack is survived by his devoted wife, Arlene; his seven children and their spouses: Donald Lemke (Nancy Hubl) – Hastings, Gary Lemke (Carol Hofstetter) – Lawrence, Dale Lemke – Lawrence, Gregg Lemke – Glenvil,

Carol Kucera (Arnie Kucera) – Hastings, Randall Lemke (Leslie Vineyard) – Lawrence, and Peg Kohmetscher (Randy Kohmetscher) – Blue Hill; 11 grandchildren: Amanda (Bryan) Skalka, Amber (Jason) Menke, Ashley (Nigel) Hoelting, Chelsey (George) Welch, Hannah Vacek, Courtney (Ben) Hansen, Carli (Matt) Cloet, Rachel (Gregg) Schlueter, Samantha (Matt) Kreber, Taylor Lemke and Tanner Lemke; 20 great-grandchildren: John and Joel Skalka, Raleigh, Logan and Kara Menke, Brayden and Sadie Hoelting, Jack, Kate and Poppy Welch, Easton and Kylan Vacek, Beau and Hazy Hansen, Jack, Leni, and Jovi Cloet, and Nora, Otto and Theo Schlueter; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Mildred Lemke, Superior, and Dianne and Don Meyerson, Denver, Colrado; and nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.