Elroy L. ‘Heinie’ Lemke, age 98, of Merrill, WI, passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at his home under the care of his family, friends, and Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services. Heinie married Jane Kollmer on January 11, 1947, and she preceded him in death on November 4, 1987.
Heinie was a World War II veteran and served with the 32 Division of the United States Army and served from October 1940 until June 1945 as a radio operator and lineman. Heinie kept communications open between the frontlines and artillery in the rear. He spent 29 months in the South Pacific with 12 months in New Guinea. Heinie received an Honorable Discharge along with the Bronze Star, Good Conduct Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with 1 Battle Star, American Defense Service Ribbon, and 5 Overseas Bars.
After military service, Heinie went to work for AA Electric for a year and then worked for Wisconsin Public Service from May 1946 as a lineman. He retired as a line foreman in 1985. Heinie was a lifetime member of V.F.W. Post 1638, Merrill. He was a continuous member of the Lincoln County Sports Club from 1946 until his passing. Although he never went hunting or fishing, he maintained the windmill at the clubhouse and was 92 when he climbed it for the last time. Heinie also helped with the Boy Scouts by teaching them basic electricity.
He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Merrill, and was a past-member of the church building committee. He was a past-member of the Wisconsin Valley Woodturners. He did a lot of woodturning and has made a lot of furniture and picture frames. He was very proud of the 1300 oak crosses he made and were donated to St. Stephens United Church of Christ in Merrill. Heinie was a past board member of Crime Stoppers in Lincoln County and was a past-member of the Merrill Evening Lion’s Club. He was also a member of the Old Timers at Chilsen’s shack group.
Heinie always took pride in his home and yard. His lawn had to be just perfect. He always enjoyed meeting and talking to people. In his own words, “everyone was good to me,” and “I have had a wonderful life.”
Heinie is survived by his daughter, Kathy ‘Poots’ (Terrence) Timmerman of Green Bay; friend and companion, Doris ‘Dody’ Neubauer of Merrill; two grandchildren, Tim (Melissa) Timmerman of Hermantown, Minnesota and Tammy (Jim) Heun of Madison; two great-grandchildren, Trinity Jane Timmerman and Annika Morgan Anderson; three step great-grandchildren, Thomas, Matthew, and Katelyn Heun.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Lemke; parents, Frank A. and Anna Lemke; two sisters, Ruth (Leslie) Pankow and Eleanore (Ewald F.) Katke; brother, Lester (Delores) Lemke; and nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Heinie’s friend and companion, Doris ‘Dody’, for providing around the clock care and comfort to him for the last six months and in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, Heinie requests any memorial gifts be given to Crime Stoppers of Lincoln County, Lincoln County Sports Club, or V.F.W. Post 1638, Merrill.
The funeral service for Heinie will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, March 18, 2022, at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home in Merrill. Pastor Natalie Basset will officiate. Burial will take place in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery with graveside military rites conducted by V.F.W. Post 1638, Merrill. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 A.M. Friday at the funeral home. A lunch will be served at the Northwoods Veterans Post following the burial.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com