Marvin "Mike" Lemke

Des Moines

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. Online condolences may be sent to IlesCares.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Des Moines Register from Aug. 23 to Aug. 25, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Marvin Lemke

24 Entries

Bob and Jackie Pool

August 17, 2024

Mike was a lovely, kind man. He shared his love and knowledge of Hostas with anyone interested. We think of him and his wife Issy often.

Betty Davis

September 9, 2012

I am late in hearing about the loss. Mike was wonderful and I loved the database he kept for the American Hosta Society. He was always sharing information with us. What a wonderful man! My deepest sympathies to his family and friends!

Mary Ann Juhl

August 28, 2012

Jon & Peggy, My thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time. I remember being at their house many years ago & being absolutely awed by the Hostas & beautiful back yard garden. With deepest Sympathy.

WENDY LICKTEIG

August 25, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

WENDY LICKTEIG

August 25, 2012

SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR DAD'S PASSING SUE.

Bob & Sheryl Anderson

August 25, 2012

Issy and family~Sheryl and I are sorry for your loss. We were in Kansas City watching our grandson play football when we heard the sad news of Mike's passing. I have wonderful memories of all the times Dad, Don and I spent at your House in Klemme. Mike will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. May God give you and your family strength through this difficult time. With All our Love,

Randy & Patt Ridder

August 25, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time of sorrow. We will always remember Mike as a part of Klemme history.

August 23, 2012

Mike always made me smile, and will be remembered for it.My deepest symapthy to all the Lemke family. Barbara Morzajew

August 23, 2012

Pat Bosworth Cox-2 Thorney Lane,Bella Vista AR 72714 Sorry for your loss, I know he will be missed.

Bob Fitzgerald

August 23, 2012

Nan, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. You have my heart felt wishes for healing and understanding, May God bless you all.

Greg Overton

August 23, 2012

Mike was a great friend and neighbor. He was like a second father to me. My family and I feel blessed to have known him. What a fantastic life we have to celebrate. All our love to Issy and the family. Until we meet on the other side my Friend.

Rick Schueder

August 23, 2012

Thinking of you and Mike and all the wonderful stories I heard about him. My thoughts and prayers to you.

Jane McClure

August 23, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. We KHA alumni have tried to get the word out on the various Klemme Facebook pages, so your friends will know of Mike's passing. Prayers and good thoughts to you

Bob and Diane Deibler

August 23, 2012

Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Lynn Ostendorf

August 23, 2012

My sympathy to the Lemke family. Mike was a great man and person.

terry boobyer

August 23, 2012

met mike under uncle john's + aunt tonet's shade trees,a tall figure of a man and smooth very smooth.the good LORD will learn lots from him. cousins TERRY + DIANE BOOBYER(GO HAWKS)!

Jo Ann Ver Helst

August 23, 2012

To Issy & Family: My thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Issy was one of my grade school teachers. Deepest Sympathy. Jo Ann (Helps) Ver Helst

Larry Bachman

August 23, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Lemke Family during these difficult times.

August 23, 2012

My deepest symapthy to all the Lemke family. Remembering you in prayer. Inez Nuehring Dunbar

Gary Clabaugh

August 23, 2012

Issy and all the kids, please accept my heartfelt sympathy on Mikes' passing. My prayers go out to you all during this trying time.

Roger Johnson

August 23, 2012

Issy and family, While life goes on I am yet unprepared for this sad news. Mike was the single most important figure in my life. In July of 1964, Whitney MacMillan, the CEO of Cargill, asked me "Roger who do you consider your most important mentor?" That was easy. "Marvin G. Lemke," I replied. Mr. MacMillan, having just returned from the LBJ White House, commented "You are very fortunate. I know Mike, he is one of the few visionaries within our industry." Mike Lemke wore many hats. A leader, a patriot, a visionary, a sportsman, a conservationist, a business strategist, I knew them all. We survived many battles together. There are many stories: he taught me to play golf, he lay the foundation for a strong work ethic, and we enjoyed many social times together. Mike is now a legend. I suspect Mike is already offering subtle, yet wise suggestions to the Lord.

Brad Bosworth

August 22, 2012

To Jon, Issy and the rest of his family. I remember getting advice from Big Mike when I first started working at the Co-Op. I wish you all the best.

Gary & Pat Alberts

August 22, 2012

To Issy and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mike trained me for my life's vocation. Some of my best working years were spent working for Mike.

Robert & Jackie Pool

August 22, 2012

Issy and family, Bob and I are so sorry for your loss. That sounds so trite to say, but we know what a force "Mike" was in your lives and how he will be missed. Our lives have been brighter having know him and you.

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