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Jeffrey Lemke Obituary

Jeffrey D. Lemke Jeffrey D. Lemke, 70, of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, died unexpectedly on Wednesday evening. He was the longtime companion of Christine Bokine. Jeff was born in Evergreen Park Illinois, the son of Robert and Mabel. He was the second oldest of five siblings. Jeff graduated from Newton High School in Newton, New Jersey, Class of 1967, where he was the quarterback of the football team, wrestled, played baseball and also ran track. Jeff was a natural leader. He was elected President of the Student Council on the slogan: "Keep smiling. Vote Lemke." He married his high school sweetheart Gigi in 1971, and had 3 children. He graduated from Lycoming College in 1971 with a major in accounting. He was a member of the Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity. After college, Jeff was employed as an auditor for the State of New Jersey. He then served as an investor of the New Jersey State Pension Fund until he returned home where he opened his CPA practice. He served in the New Jersey National Guard for many years attaining the rank of Major. Handsome, intelligent, charismatic, and gregarious by nature. Anyone who has been in a room with Jeff knows he was incredibly funny, and his quick-wit and sense of humor made him the life of the party. He made everyone feel special and was truly interested in everyone's story. Of course Jeff has always been a risk-taker and adventurous to the point of being extreme. A person who loved his work and who knew how to have a good time. Jeff was on a life-long quest for self-improvement, was an excellent motivator, and mentor to so many others. His compassion for others, his insight into their needs, his wisdom, his heart for the underdog, and his ability to enroll others in his vision were traits he carried for a lifetime. Jeff's family was the center of his universe. He had a wide range of interests and he continued to be a lifelong learner. He was a CPA, MBA, JD and private pilot, but his proudest title was "Papa Jeff. Jeff had an easy smile and a sharp wit. Adults, kids, and dogs often gravitated to him. His faith was central to his life. He will be missed. He is survived by his daughter Princess Nellie Ivins and her husband Shane; his sons Alexander Lemke and his wife Marta, and Aaron Lemke and his wife Stephanie; his mother Mabel; sisters, Donna, Myrna, and Christine; grandchildren Caleb, Noah, Kelsey, James, and Brooks; his common law wife, Christine Bokine, and niece Erica and her husband Mark. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Deep Well Project in Hilton Head or the Hilton Head Humane Association. https://www.deepwellproject.org/PO Box 5543 http://www.hhhumane.org/. Islandfuneralhome.com.

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

Published by The Island Packet on Feb. 7, 2020.

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Ken Snowden

March 8, 2020

It was a shock to hear of the passing of Jeff Lemke. At our age, 70 is still young.
I met Jeff at Lycoming College. After the first day of classes, I was in my room trying to study when I heard this loud voice coming from next door. After a few minutes I poked my head out the door to see what was going on. There was a crowd at the door of the next room and more kids inside. I pushed my way up and peeked inside and there was Jeff telling stories about high school and Newton, N.J. Jeff became my best friend in school, we worked, played, traveled and sometimes studied together. I have many great memories of our college days. After graduation, Jeff got married and we went our own ways. I had not seen or heard from Jeff for 40 years. Recently, our friend Gene Vanbenthysen found Jeff in Hilton Head. I regret missing the opportunity to reconnect with one of the most unique persons I have ever spent time with. He will be missed by all.
One more story, Jeff was driving home for semester break and I was following. It was January on a completely snow covered I-80 (this was 50 years ago) Jeff was going about 50 mph when the back of his car started to fishtail, back and forth, then he lost it, going around and doing a complete 360, never touching the snow banks on either side, then he recovered going in the right direction. I don't think he ever let off the gas. When I pulled up along side and looked over, there was that classic Lemke smile. Every day was an adventure.
I have never seen anyone do that in my life.
May God bless all those who mourn the loss of Jeff Lemke.

Ken Snowden

Jack Weiss

February 8, 2020

It is with great sadness that I am writing this. My friend and fellow fraternity member Gene Van Benthysen forwarded Jeff's obituary to me. It was certainly a surprise.

Jeff was my first roomate at Lycoming. I can see his smiling face that first meeting. We hit it off from the start. We both loved sports and were both from New Jersey. Our four years at Lycoming were fun, and certainly eventful.

His nickname became "Wires". He broke his jaw in a fraternity touch football game. I think he had to walk around like that for several months.

All of us loved to play darts at a local bar. There was some beer involved. Jeff would always start a game with the phrase: "Wires is my name, Darts is my game". He was a very good dart player..I enjoyed many a beer with with him and the guys. IAs I write this I can see his face smiling and throwing winning darts.

Rest in peace old friend. We will all miss you.

Your Alpha Sig Brother
Jack

Joe Youssouf

February 8, 2020

I was very sad to learn of Jeff's untimely passing. I first met Jeff in Sussex County when we were both young and looking forward to our future lives. I consider my self fortunate in having shared family times and experiences with Jeff. He was full of life, adventurous and willing to enjoy every experience that life presented. I always loved his children and still do. I know the pain they suffered at his passing and know that mere words are cold comfort at best. But by remembering the good times, enjoying the memories of shared events and simple pleasures like July 4th. fireworks at his home keeps him alive in our memories and provides a bitter sweet remembrance of a "good guy" who was generous and kind to his friends and family. Please accept my heart felt condolences on this sad occasion.

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