Joan Hermes Lemke

Joan Hermes Lemke, a native of Evanston, IL and resident of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away on Friday, August 4, 2017 at the age of 92. Joan was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church for over 54 years. She was the past president and member of Homemakers Club of Baton Rouge. She was also a long time employee of National American Life Insurance Company and also Louisiana Companies. Joan loved to knit and shared her talent with not only her family and friends, but also through local organizations donating blankets and hats for sick children. Her greatest legacy is the life she lived as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was married to the love of her life for 74 years, setting an example for generations to come. She is survived by her loving husband, Albert Wayne Lemke; four children, Cindy and Brad Black of Baton Rouge, Patty and Mike O'Neal of Baton Rouge, Rick Lemke of Nashville, TN, and Suzy and Don Nauck of Baton Rouge; eleven grandchildren, Jennifer and Daniel (Faye) Black, Jason (Alice), Lance (Melissa) and Kelly (Chris Kyle) O'Neal, Chris Lemke, Jordan Henderson, Blaine (Mary Lauren), Donnie, Michael (Lydia), and Jordan Nauck; 14 great-grandchildrenl; sister and brother-in-law, Faith and Harry Mathis; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Matthew and Lucie Hermes; son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Harriett Lemke; brother, Jack Lemke; sisters, Lois and Patsy; and son-in-law, Jerry Henderson. The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Rolfsen. Visitation will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. until a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., conducted by Father Pat Broussard and Deacon Joe Simeca. Interment will follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Jason O'Neal, Daniel Black, Lance O'Neal, Chris Lemke, Jordan Henderson, and Donnie Nauck. Honorary pallbearers are Blaine, Michael, Jordan Nauck and Chris Kyle O'Neal. Memorial donations in honor of Joan Lemke can be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital.