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Herman LEMKE Obituary
LEMKE, Jr., Herman E.F.
Passed into the Lord's arms with his loving family at his side on November 27, 2010. A Chicago native and resident of Fair Oaks. Born July 13, 1919. Predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Geneva Lemke. Survived by brother Bob Lemke of Antioch, IL and children Patty Karnow (Jerry) Fred Lemke (Eloise), John Lemke (Terrie), Gloria Anderson (Buck), Suzanne Anderson (Andy), plus 63 grandchildren. A WW II Vet. Graduate of Vanderberbilt-Peabody University MA, BA, Phi Mu Alpha Music Fraternity. A teacher for 52 years, 47 in the Sacramento City School District. Colleagues said he was a teacher with enthusiasm for students to learn. He was instrumental in the writing of several publications used as guidebooks in the Sacramento County Schools. He participated in the development of the Effie Yeaw Nature Center. He also assisted in the introduction of environmental education. He piloted the Sly Park outdoor Education Project, giving students an outdoor learning experience. He was fascinated with Astronomy and was a prolific writer of science fiction stories and was working on a book about how a husband should treat his wife. He had a special love for fishing, backpacking, the card game Canasta and spending time at his mountain cabin always with his family. He loved classical music and opera. He played piano, violin and a ''mean'' harmonica. At age 88, he felt called to serve the Lord on a mission in Kenya, Africa. It was said he was a ''hit'' with the children to see the whitehaired man with an infectious smile, hugs and a message of love for the Lord. Celebration of his life will be Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 4000 San Juan Ave., Fair Oaks, CA 95628. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be sent to Faith Lutheran Church for the Herman Lemke Memorial Fund or The Sending Place. Private entombment.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Herman LEMKE
Elizabeth Millard
November 17, 2023
I miss you so much Grandpa. You will forever be my hero.
Justin L. Atkin
September 22, 2023
I had the privelege of having Mr. Lemke as my 5th grade teacher at A.W. Winn Elementary in Rancho Cordova in 1980-81. When I think back on my time at school, class with Mr. Lemke remains the high point. He had a way of making learning fun that I had never experienced before. One time a kid asked where he was born, and his answer was "Chickie in the car and the car won't go".... the whole class spent the next 5 minutes trying to guess where he was talking about (Chicago). Most of my childhood I dreaded going to school, but I always looked forward to Mr. Lemke's class. Thank you Mr. Lemke for your devotion and passion of teaching.
Terry Millard
April 6, 2021
I miss you so much Grandpa you meant everything in the world to me
Terry Millard
February 9, 2020
He was the best great grandfather anyone could have he raised me and taught me so much
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Terry Millard
November 25, 2018
I miss you so much great grandpa
Steve Hempleman
July 10, 2011
Mr. Lemke was my 5th grade science teacher at Pacific Elementary, South Sacramento, in 1965. I will never forget him and thank him for helping me become a scientist. May He Rest in Peace.
Steve Hempleman
Flagstaff AZ
Bob M
December 8, 2010
Mr. Lemke what can a person say but for those who had the treat of having Mr.Lemke as a teacher you all know that you had someone who cared about you as a person as well as a student. i remember my trip to Sly Park with Mr. Lemke we got lucky there happened to be a total eclipse and I will remember that for the rest of my life to see how his face marveled at the site and was able to share it with all us kids. Well now Mr. Lemke is with the stars and I'm sure he's looking down at us with his great smile.
Lynne Graham
December 4, 2010
Our family was saddened to hear of Herman's passing. He was a great long time neighbor of the Gallagher's. After my father Robert Gallagher passed away in 2001, Herman checked in on my mom, Marge, now and again, bringing persimmons or some other fruit or vegetable that he had grown. Herman will be missed, but his legacy will go on! Sending Love from the Gallagher family
Sherline
December 3, 2010
My condolences are with Mr. Lemke's family and friends. I was one of his students back in 1978. He was one of the best teachers ever. We his students loved him with all are heart. The Sly Park trip was a life changing exprience, and I remember it like it was yestarday. Even though I can't remember much about the past, I do and always will remember Mr. Lemke. To have known him is to love him. He made learning so much fun.. He will never be forgotten.. (Sherline).
Robert & Trudy Woodgate
December 3, 2010
We are so sorry to hear of Herman's passing. He was a wonderful and most gracious man. When my husband and I got married I asked Herman to walk me down the isle and he accepted. It was truly an honor to have him be a part of our lives. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Jerry Moon
December 3, 2010
Uncle Herman was an extraordinary man who had an attitude and demeanor like no one I have known. His enthusiasm for life was infectious. It would be difficult for anyone to be negative or depressed when around him, for his positiveness would brighten your being and put a smile on your face. I recall when Herman and Jimmie got married. What a beautiful couple they made. Now they can be together once again to continue their very special relationship.
Cynthia Schafer
December 3, 2010
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Lemke. I worked with him at A.M. Winn. He kept the students involved in science. It was great watching him hold the "egg drop" contest.
Lisa Drutt
December 2, 2010
I am so glad to have known Grandpa Herman. He was such a special person & a wonderful great grandpa to Hailey . He truly took joy in spending time with her & teaching her whatever he could. So lucky they had each other for the last 5 yrs. & I'll miss giving him his kisses & hugs, he was always up for those. May your memories of him comfort you in the days ahead.
Angela LaCour
December 2, 2010
My condolences to the Lemke family...Mr Lemke was my 5th grade teacher at A.M. Winn in '77...I never forgot how great a teacher he was and that he taught us worms were great eating on our Sly Park field trip.
Barbara Lederer Dickinson
December 2, 2010
Herman Ernest Fredrick Lemke Jr. It has been 51 years since Mr. Lemke was my teacher. Not only was he the most memorable, but he was also the best. I still talk about things he taught in my 5th grade class. He inspired curiosity and an eagerness to learn. I still remember him out in the parking lot, cranking up his car to get it started. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. He was a wonderful man.
Phyllis (Cheesebrough) Kendall
December 2, 2010
I'm so sorry for your loss, Fred and family. It happens to all of us at one time or another. Your father was a remarkable man.
I miss seeing your smile, Fred. I hope you are retired...finally!
Alan Smith
December 2, 2010
God bless you Mr. Lemke. You were my 5th grade teacher in 1965 at Pacific Elementary School and I never have forgotten you after all these years.
I never had a teacher with a skull and gavel on their desk, you were so unique.
Because of you, my love of Astronomey grew and is a profound hobby of mine to this day.
mike kane
December 2, 2010
mr. Lemke was the best teacher i ever had and often in my thoughts. It's good to know he lived such a full life. I am lucky to have known him. Mike Kane
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