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Marvin "Mike" Lemke

1921 - 2012

October 26, 1921 - August 20, 2012

Des Moines, IA - Marvin "Mike" Lemke, 90 passed from this life on Monday, August 20, 2012, at Veterans Administration Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 25, 2012, at Olivet Baptist Church, located at 2743 82nd Pl., Urbandale. Burial will be held on Monday, August 27, 2012, at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Adel, Iowa at 2 p.m.

Marvin was born on October 26, 1921, in Klemme, Iowa to Daisy and Henry Lemke. He grew up in Klemme where he was confirmed in the Reformed Church and graduated from Klemme High School. After graduation he enlisted in the army where he served with the 407th Infantry during World War II. He was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star after being wounded in Flossdorf, Germany in November 1944. A recent MRI showed a .30 caliber bullet still remained embedded in his leg after 68 years.

After returning from the war, Marvin resumed his job at Klemme Cooperative Grain Elevator, where he managed the operation for 38 years. During that time he met and married Isabelle (Sebben) Lemke on July 7, 1951, in Seymour, Iowa. His time was rarely idle as he served as mayor, volunteer fireman, charter member of the Klemme Lion's Club, and founding member of the Slippery Elm Golf Course in Klemme. Marvin served on the board of directors of the Hancock County Memorial Hospital. He went on to work in the commodity futures industry in Kearney, NE and Des Moines until his retirement. Marvin was a member of the Izaak Walton League, Russ O'Harra Hosta Society, Polk County I-Club, Des Moines Garden Club, and the Civil War Round Table. In May 1995, Marvin and Isabelle were given a National Beautification Award for their garden from the Gardener's of America. In 2004, they received the President's Award from the American Hosta Society.

Marvin is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, Isabelle; four children and six grandchildren, Michael J. Lemke and his children, Tarah and Nicole; Sue Lemke; Jon (Peggy) Lemke and their children, Daisy and Robert; Nan (Vance) Hahn and their children, Alex and Chris; five great-grandchildren, Keller, Avery, Mia, Caitlin, and Asher; and sister, Marjorie Hefte; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded into eternal life by his parents; two brothers; and a sister.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

source: Des Moines Register, 25 Aug 2012

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