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ROCHESTER— Donald Joe Lemke, 65, of 37 Western Ave passed away peacefully Thursday August 30, 2012 at Riverside Rest Home surrounded by his family.
Born July 13, 1947 in Rochester the son of Harold "Joe" and Audrey (Colbroth) Lemke.
Donald was a lifelong resident of Rochester. He attended Rochester schools and graduated from Spaulding High School. He was a member of the Graniteers Drum & Bugle Corp. He worked for Country Kitchen and Wonder Bread. He loved his antique cars. He was a NASCAR fan, he also enjoyed watching the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox. When not working he loved to spend time with his children and grand children they were his pride and joy. He was a loving father and grandfather or as all his grand children called him Papa.
Members of his family include his wife Dot Lemke of Rochester, His daughters Stacie Lemke and Robert Allen of Rochester, Tracie (Lemke) Grondin and her husband Steve of Lebanon Maine, His step children Brandy Frost and her husband John of Barrington, Craig Sprowl of Rochester. His grandchildren Shania, Lexie, Kallie, Jared, Calah, Megan, Caitlin and Olivia. His brother Paul Lemke of Dover, and Sister Paula Lord of Florida. Many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his twin sister Donna Harvey
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Huntington Disease Association (HDSA) 505 Eighth Ave Suite 902 New York, N.Y. 10018 or the Riverside Rest Home Activities Dept. 276 County Farm Road Dover N.H. 03820
The family would like to thank Beacon Hospice and his friends/residents of Riverside Rest Home.
Calling hours will be Monday September 3, 2012 from 5 to 8 p.m. at R.M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home 86 S. Main Street, Rochester, N.H. 03867
A funeral service will be celebrated on Tuesday September 4, 2012 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of R.M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home 86 South Main Street, Rochester, N.H. 03867
Burial will follow in the Rochester Cemetery, Franklin Street, Rochester, N.H.
For online condolences please go to www.edgerlyfh.com.
Visit www.foster.com/obits to sign an online guest book.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dad,
I cannot believe it has been a month already. Seems like just yesterday I was holding your hand. I think of you everyday. Visit the cemetery often. Hope you know that I am there. I love and miss you so much. Love you Always
Tracie Lemke-Grondin
October 3, 2012
Gone but not forgotten. I think about you every day. I miss you so much. I will never forget you and all that you have done for me. I will keep your memory alive.
I Love You!
Tracie (Lemke)Grondin
September 18, 2012
I am the daughter who wants a cure
I wonder why it happened to him
I see him worsening
I am the daughter who wants a cure
I pretended he was getting better when in reality he wasn't
I worry someday he'll be gone (NOW HE IS)
I cry when I think about him worsening
I am the daughter who wants a cure
I understand he may never improve
I say I won't cry when he asks but in reality I really will
I only dreamed one day he would be better
I try to comprehend this incurable disease
I hope we find a cure to Huntington's
I AM THE DAUGHTER WHO WANTS A CURE!
Tracie (Lemke)Grondin
September 13, 2012
I hadn't seen since since the drum corps years in the 60's but as soon as I saw his picture I recognized the smile immediately. My condolences to the Lemke family.
Kandace Walicki Jones
Kandace Walicki Jones
September 7, 2012
Dot, I am so sorry for your loss. We share a special bond and when you are hurting it hurts me as well. My heart just aches for you and your family. I truly believe he is at peace and no longer suffering. I will always remember when he and I got bell's palsy on the opposite sides of our faces and we used to kiss. Our lips fit perfectly! lol. Just one of many memories I have of him. I love you and know that I am thinking of you.
Judy
September 6, 2012
Dad, i wanted to say thank you for being such a good friend and farther to all of us kids and grand kids you showed me how to do so much ad was always there for us when we needed you.. you were and are the best farther anybody could ever ask for you will be truly missed by many... i love and miss you so much but you will always be i my heart and on my mind and in my prayers... I LOVE YOU DAD LOVE ALWAYS YOUR SON
craig sprowl
September 6, 2012
To the Lempke Family,
Our sincere regrets of the loss of your Dad. I knew Don from the Drum Corps, he had such a good heart. We all had a wonderful time competing on the field, stand stills and just being together as a family. I sorry that I didn't meet Don's family the only on I knew was his sister Donna. So to all of you and Donna my heart hurts for you.
Gloria Smith Bernard
and Mrs. "B"
Gloria Smith Bernard
September 5, 2012
My heart goes out to your whole family. He was a great man and loved by many.
Drina (Bernard) Milbury
September 5, 2012
Stacie, Tracie & Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. May God comfort & bless you in this time of sorrow. With Sincere Sympathy,
Steve, Wendy & Jacob Radwan
Wendy Radwan
September 5, 2012
Tracie (Lemke) Grondin
September 5, 2012
Dad,
They tell me you are at peace and in a better place. I hope they are right. My emotions are so crazy right now. I just want to say I tried to be the best daughter, always wanted you to be proud of me. I hope you were. I want to thank you for being the best dad and papa. You meant the world to us. I am so grateful that I was able to be with you right until the end. Moments I will never forget. Please watch over us and send us little signs to let us know you are ok. I love you and will never forget you
Tracie (Lemke) Grondin
September 5, 2012
MY SINCERE SYMPATHIES TO DOT, BRANDY AND FAMILY, AND CRAIG ON THE GREAT LOSS YOU HAVE JUST HAD, YOU WILL BE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. dON WAS A GREAT MAN AND HE WILL BE MISSED BUT TREASUREDALL THOSE GREAT MOMENTSYOU HAVE HAD WITH HIM !
Martine St.Pierre
September 5, 2012
Tracie, Jared, and Steve, we are very sorry to hear of your family's loss. We've been thinking of you.
Peg and Rog Toussaint
September 5, 2012
Dottie - So sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking and Praying for you.
Jamie Mitchell
September 4, 2012
Tracie and Family,
We are very sad to hear about your dad. If you need anything at all, please let us know. Remember A good man like your dad deserves peace,and now he is resting peacefully. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lesley & Leo
September 4, 2012
Tracie,
I am so sorry for your loss. It is a loss that no one understands until they go through it. I love you Tracie and am here if you need a shoulder or anything.
We understand how difficult this time can be, and if you need anything at all please know we will help you in any way.
Lesley, Cathy, Dawn
September 4, 2012
Stacie, Tracie & family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts. I have been down this road and know how hard it is to lose someone you love so much. Remember the good times & memories you have with him, nothing can ever take those from you.
Kelsey Mountain
September 4, 2012
Aunt Dot, Brandy, and Craig;
I was heartbroken to hear that Uncle Don passed away. But know that he is in a better place. He was an amazing man, friend, father, and husband and he will never be forgotten! I love all of you!
Theresa Hassen
September 4, 2012
Dottie, I am so sorry to hear about your husband. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Love you
Connie Campbell
September 4, 2012
Tracie,and family
Sorry to hear about your loss, hope you are all doing well and remember the good times they will be with you forever.
Duane Gregoire
September 4, 2012
Tracie and Jared,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad and grandfather passing. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if we can lend a hand in any way.
Marcy and Joey Polletta
September 4, 2012
Steve, Tracie and Jared-
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Let us know if we can do anything!
Gary and Stacey Gadbois
September 4, 2012
Tracie,and family
So sorry to hear of your dad's passing.my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.May your memories comfort you at this difficult time.
Dolly Burnell
September 4, 2012
Dottie, So sorry to learn of the Big Guys passing. My prayers are with you and your family.
Darlene Farrell
September 4, 2012
Stacie, Tracie and family,
Your Dad was a good man and he will be missed. What a lovely message Shania wrote in tribute to him. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Alise "Dodie" Morneau
September 4, 2012
Dot & The Frost Family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of Don. We know how much he meant to you all and that he held a special place in your heart. We will all miss him. May God bless you and comfort you. Love, Steve, Wendy & Jacob Radwan
Wendy Radwan
September 4, 2012
Stacie and Tracy,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Don. He was a resident at my place of employment and was liked very much. I know we have seen each other in passing and havent really spoken like we used too, but please know that I send you all my love and all my best. Keep your heads high. xo
Jenn Bryant
September 4, 2012
I was sorry to read of Don passing. I went to Spaulding with him and he was such a nice guy.Also made it to many Graiteers parades and compations.My thoughts are with you.
Barbara Marsh
September 4, 2012
Our deepest sympathies to Dottie and the whole Lemke family
Eric Dunbar
September 4, 2012
Don was a devoted member of the Graniteers Drum & Bugle Cporps. He was a silent member never asking but always giving. He will surely be missed by his family and his many friends
Ray Turmelle
September 4, 2012
Aunt Dot,Brandy and Craig,
My heart breaks for you. Don was one of the nicest men I know, and he loved and took such great care of you all! Please always remember, he's only a thought away until you meet again.
Much love
Tina Bertrand-Dimalanta
September 4, 2012
Stacie, Tracie, and family..
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. My heartfelt condolences to you all.
Paulette Corey-Brown
September 4, 2012
Heartfelt sympathies to the family. Don and I spent a lot of years together along with Donna. School years at Spaulding, and many hours of sweat and wonderful traveling with the Graniteers Drum & Bugle Corps. May he rest in peace.
Dan Bernard
September 3, 2012
Our deepest Sympathy to Dottie and the family from your neighbors Bri & Di
September 3, 2012
Our deepest sympathies to the whole Lemke family.
Chet and Rachel Brooks
September 3, 2012
Brandy, Jon and family; please accept my condolences at the loss of your stepdad. I totally understand that relationship having a wonderful stepdad myself. When he passed there was a deep hole in our hearts and in our lives that can never be filled. However, as he said when my mom passed...God must have thought she was here just long enough. Apparently Don had many friends and was well loved...how much more can you ask for in one's life? God's peace to you all.
Kathie Bystrek
September 3, 2012
To the Lemke Family,
My wife and I were classmates of Donald's and graduated with him. Our deepest sympathy and prayers.
Bob & Carol (Hamilton) Broadbent
September 3, 2012
Don,it was not for a long period of time but it was a pleasure to have known you. My prayers go out to the family. May you RIP Don.
Gwen/RRH
September 3, 2012
The Lemke Family,
My deepest sympathies to the whole family on your loss. I was a member of the Graniteers with Don and Donna. May you keep all your wonderful memories deep in your hearts.
Gail (Wiggin) Hines
Dover, NH
September 3, 2012
to the lemke family, our deepest condolences to all of you. don was a great man and he now is in a happier place......paul and crystal chiasson....
September 3, 2012
I never met Donald but he was my 3rd cousin on the Pomerleau side of my family. My deepest sympathies to his family and know that we continue the fight to find a cure for Huntington's Disease. It runs rampant through this side of the family too, I do much work towards a cure.
Sherri Hayford
September 3, 2012
Dot - I am holding you close in my heart.
Sheila Canney
September 3, 2012
Tracie and the whole Lemke family i am shooked to learn of Don passing i want to offer you my prayers at this time Diane and I will be thinking of you
dennis/ Diane Vashey
September 3, 2012
So sorry to hear of Cousin Don passing. Our brother Tim Ellis informed us all as we are spread around the country, so on behalf of the Ellis family, our very sincere condolences.. I'll always have fond memories of my cousins....Diana Ellis-Toscano
September 3, 2012
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Don
was my breadman when I ran Lum's Rest in
Somersworth. A easy going person.
Rhona & John Panteledes
East Rochester, N. H.
September 3, 2012
Shania Levesque
September 3, 2012
Dear Paul,Paula & Family,
I am so sorry to learn of Don's passing. Our prayers will be with you and your family during this difficult time.
God Bless!
John Lovejoy
September 3, 2012
Dottie...I am so sorry to hear that you lost the love of your life...My prayers to you and the family...
Jessica Billingsley
September 3, 2012
Don and his twin sister Donna were very involved in the Rochester Graniteers Drum and Bugle Corps back in the 1960's.
They were part of the Graniteer family and I have so many wonderful memories of both Don and Donna. Don's passing leaves yet one more hole in the heart of the Graniteer community
Jeanne Varney Grover
September 3, 2012
shania
September 3, 2012
Hi papa its me shania, i know your in a better place, your with god and the angels they'll take very good care of you, watch over us papa we all love you very much, you mean the world to all of us, you were an awesome guy and an amazing grandfather, you cared so much about all of us, i remember coming over and going swimming in the pool with you, me and the grandkids came to see you August 28th 2012 you couldnt talk but you did open your eyes for me and squezed my hand, i bought you a cute little teddy bear, i hope you rest well with him, i will never forget that moment papa.. all our memories that we all shared with you will forever remain in all of our hearts, you were a BIG teddy bear, you were such a loving guy words cant describe what you mean to this family papa. give us signs your still here with us, this isnt goodbye its i'll see you later. we love you forever <3 xoxo
shania levesque
September 3, 2012
My heart goes out the the entire family. Stay strong and remember that he will always be with you. Celebrate his life.
Wendy Dowaliby & Family
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Wendy Dowaliby
September 3, 2012
Stacie, Tracie and family;
I am sorry to hear of your recent loss. I have known you both many years, though we do not see each other often now - thinking of you all at this difficult time.
kathy (chesnel) spiers
September 3, 2012
Dear Stacie, Tracie and family,
I grew up with Don in East Rochester and knew him my whole life. He was such a great guy.
He is at peace now and in the comfort of God's own hands.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all that God will grant you His peace and strength to get through this very difficult time in your life. Always remember the wonderful memories that you had with him.
Love, Carolyn "Care" Scott
Carolyn (Wilson-Wagner) Scott
September 3, 2012
i love ad miss you so much dad love always our so
craig sprowl
September 3, 2012
Don, i wanted to say thank you for being such a good friend and farther to all of us kids and grand kids you showed me how to do so much ad was always there for us when we needed you.. you were and are the best farther anybody could ever ask for you will be truly missed by many... i love and miss you so much but you will always be i my heart and on my mind and in my prayers... I LOVE YOU DAD LOVE ALWAYS YOUR SON
CRAIG SPROWL
September 3, 2012
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