Paula Jeanette Lemke

St. Cloud - Paula Jeanette (Kruger) Lemke of St. Cloud passed away peacefully in the early hours of August 4, 2025, due to complications from heart failure. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, August 17, from 4 to 7 pm, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Peace Hall, 4310 County Road 137, St. Cloud, MN 56301. A private burial service will be held at a later date.

Paula was born on September 15, 1952, to Theodore and Rosemary (Gruber) Kruger. She graduated from St. John Cantius grade school and Cathedral High School in St. Cloud. She married her husband Kenneth "Lem" Lemke in 1982. They joyfully welcomed their son Steven in 1985.

Paula dedicated most of her professional life to the Diocese of St. Cloud and the St. Cloud Visitor newspaper (now The Central Minnesota Catholic magazine). As part of her 40+ years of getting the publications in the hands of so many, she was known for having memorized every ZIP code in the diocese and could recite them at will.

She was intellectually curious, always wanting to know "why." At work, Paula enjoyed being surrounded by writers and thinkers. She was an avid reader, exchanging many books with family and friends. She also was an accomplished seamstress, jewelry-maker, gardener, and creative cook. Dinner table conversation often showcased her thoughtful reflections and quick wit. She could both laugh at herself and make others giggle.

Spending time with family was one of Paula's greatest pleasures. She loved family gatherings, where she would go out of her way to engage in conversation, listen intently, and make others feel heard. And, as any family member will attest, her strength of resolve and care for others were truly inspirational.

In addition to her husband and son, Paula is survived by siblings Mary Kruger (Jim Berg), Kris Kruger Peterson, Ted Kruger, Rose Kruger-Fuchs, Martha (Sam) Blonigen, Pete Kruger, Joe (Connie) Kruger, Teresa Kruger Lahr (Andy Lahr), and Peg (Bob) Hanni, sisters-in-law Barb Kruger, Pam Imholte, Deborah (Michael) Jahnke, and Lisa (Bryan) Revering, and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, parents-in-law Reuben Lemke, Helen Cigelske and Junior Cigelske, sister Anne Kittridge and brother Jim Kruger, sister-in-law Ann Kruger, and brothers-in-law Ed Peterson, Al Fuchs, Ronald Lemke and Daniel Cigelske.