Edward G. LEMBCKE

HAMPTON - Edward "Ed, Eddie" George Lembcke, 82, went to be with God on Oct. 30, 2010.His daughters Sheryl Lembcke, Jean Halek, and former spouse Mera Hauserman were so fortunate and privileged to be with him when he quietly left our earthly presence.
Ed was born in Mason City, Iowa, on 20 March, 1928. He served in the United States Army for nearly 30 years and retired in June 1979 as a Sergeant Major. Time served in a war or when a campaign badge was awarded include: Japan (Nov 53 – Jul 54), Vietnam (Jan 62 – Mar 63), Thailand (Jul 65 – Nov 67), Korea (Oct 68 – Nov 69), and Korea (Jan 73 – Jun 74). Ed then served as a Department of Army civilian with duty in Korea and Fort Monroe, Va., for approximately 15 years until his retirement in April 1993.
Ed was an avid lifetime stamp collector and found time nearly every day to tend to his meticulous philatelic passion. Ed was also passionate about reading. Whenever Ed couldn't get to his beloved Willow Oaks Public library or shop for new books at BJs, it was quite a job trying to keep him supplied with reading material. Since the early 50s, shortly after training in the Signal Corp, Ed developed another passion as an amateur ham radio operator and was one of a pool of experts who could provide backup emergency communications in times of need. Everywhere Ed lived, you would find big antennas out back and the family enjoyed hours of fun hamming with people all over the world. Ed was a member of MENSA (the High IQ Society), as he loved challenging his mind with new games and hobbies. He loved computers, electronics, and puzzles. He even spent hours of study to obtain licensing for servicing electrical appliances (air conditioning – refrigeration).
Ed made peace with his failing health. He was fond of saying he had a great run for 82 years. Though our grief is deep, we know Ed is free from pain and suffering, and we give thanks that Ed never lost his incredible brilliance or his special sense of humor. We will forever love and miss our daddy, pops, father-in-law, grandpa, uncle, brother, friend…
Ed was preceded in death by his former spouse of 20 years, Reigh Marlene (Calkins) Lembcke; his two brothers, Max and Joe Hegland; and his sister, Ardis (Hegland) Paulson.
He will be so terribly missed by family members and friends. He is survived by his five children, two son-in-laws, and one daughter-in-law: daughter, Becky Lembcke of Oak Harbor, Wash.; daughter, Anne Lembcke of Newport News, Va.; daughter and son-in-law, Sheryl Lembcke and Jon Boren of Hampton, Va.; son and daughter-in-law, Edward G. Lembcke III (Ed, Eddie) and Judy Lembcke of Anderson, Ind.; and daughter and son-in-law, Jean Halek and John Halek of McClean, Va. Ed is also survived by his former spouse, Mera Hauserman of McClean, Va., and family members in Iowa: his sister, Rosy Crandall and her spouse and children; his sister, Ardis' husband, Bob Paulson, and their three children, Nancy, John, and Ron. Ed leaves 10 grandchildren, Joseph Racutt of Vallejo, Calif., Shannon Racutt of Everett, Wash., Charles Bullard and spouse Tiffany of Newport News, Va., Shaughn Racutt of Bothwell, Wash., Kelly Bullard of Imperial Beach, Calif., Dana Johnson of Anderson, Ind., David Johnson of Indianapolis, Ind., Lauren Lembcke of Indianapolis, Ind., Jenna and John Jr. Halek, of McClean, Va.; with another Halek grandson due in approximately 3.5 months; great-grandchildren are Savannah, Sonny and Destiny (Bullard), Taylor, Zachary, and Jordon (Racutt), and Casey Racutt.
Friends are invited to visit Friday, Nov. 5, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. A celebration of Ed's life will be Saturday, Nov. 6, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery with Full Military Honors at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Willow Oaks Village Square Hampton Public Library, 227 Fox Hill Rd., Hampton, VA 23669.
Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of comfort with the family.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.