James L. ‘Jim’ Lemke, age 74, of Merrill, formerly of the Town of Pine River, Lincoln County, died Monday, January 17, 2011, at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill.
Jim was born October 15, 1936, in Merrill, son of the late Lester and Dolores (Kufahl) Lemke. He married Marjorie ‘Marj’ Dengel on May 28, 1960, in the Town of Pine River. She survives. Jim was a self-employed carpenter and mason. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. Jim served in the National Guard and was stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington, during the Berlin Crisis.
Jim enjoyed snowmobiling, using his snow-blower to help out anyone, traveling, visiting with his friends at Pine Ridge Restaurant in Merrill, vacationing in Wisconsin Dells with his grandchildren, being “Santa Claus” during Christmas gatherings, and fishing trips to Canada. Jim and his wife, Marj, attended the annual Hodag Country Music Festival for over thirty years. Jim also enjoyed watching Pro-Wrestling and NASCAR. Dale Earnhardt was his favorite driver.
Survivors include his wife, Marjorie ‘Marj’ Lemke, of the Town of Pine River; three daughters, Julie Sjuggerud, of Manitowoc, Lisa (Greg) English, of Merrill, and Jolyn (Robert) Hubbard, of Deerbrook; one son, Jay Lemke, of the Town of Pine River; five grandchildren, Marissa and Mirinda English, Reba Sjuggerud, and Travis and Britani Hubbard; one brother, Gerald Lemke, of the Town of Pine River; and one sister-in-law, Gloria Lemke, of Merrill. Jim was preceded in death by one son-in-law, Gary Sjuggerud; one brother, David Lemke; and one sister-in-law, Charlene Lemke.
The funeral will be at 1:00 P.M. Friday, January 21, 2011, at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. David Szeto will officiate. Burial will be in Merrill Memorial Park with military rites conducted by V.F.W. Post 1638, Merrill. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Thursday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and after 11:00 A.M. Friday at the church.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com