Rev. William Whitney Lemke

Rev. William Lemke, of Chetek, Wisconsin, left us to be with the Lord on his 93rd year, Saturday, December 15, 2012 at Knapp Haven Nursing Home in Chetek.

Born in a farmhouse outside Klemme, Iowa in 1919, Bill served his country in the Army Air Force during World War Two.  His first wife, LaVonne Lorenson, passed away in 1948 while Bill was attending St. Paul Bible Institute.  After graduating from Kletzing College in 1951, he pastored churches in Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska.  He also ministered in five European countries, Israel, Mexico, Indonesia, India and the Philippines over the years.

Rev. Lemke led Eden Ministry Center and Eden Discipleship Training School from its local inception in 1973 until recent years.  Subsequently Rev. Lemke and the staff at Eden affiliated with Youth With A Mission, an inter-denominational mission outreach; the base is now “Northwoods.”

With his second wife, Lou Rabun, they built their “dream house” there in 1992.   Lou, also greatly loved as a leader at Eden, passed away in 1997. Bill will be interred at her side in Garner, Iowa.

Bill wrote an autobiography The Growth of a Soul which outlines his challenges, his weaknesses, and his spiritual growth over the years.  He closes like this:

“I close with leaving you the Lord’s instruction for my life.  “And whatever you do – no matter what it is – in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in dependence upon his person, giving praise to God the Father through Him.” – Colossians 3:17

Bill leaves to celebrate his memory: three sons, William (Sien) Lemke, Valhalla, NY; Bryant Lemke, Minneapolis, MN; Bernie Lemke, Charlotte, NC; five grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other loving family and friends as well as large host who benefited from his gentle love,  leadership,  teaching and especially the prayers under his large hands. Pastor Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Ethel Lemke, his first wife, LaVonne, his second wife, Lou, three sisters and two brothers.

Rev. Lemke was greatly beloved as Pastor Bill or Brother Bill in the area, with his service since 1973 at the Northwoods Youth with a Mission ministry east of Chetek, WI at W-14580 County Road D.  The funeral service for Rev. Bill will be held on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 1:00 P.M. at Chetek Lutheran Church.  Bill’s family will be greeting visitors at the church from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service at 1:00 P.M.  Rev. David Holmbeck will officiate the service.

Memorials may be donated to Northwoods Youth With A Mission in memory of Rev. William Lemke.

Rev. Bill will be laid to rest at Concord Township Cemetery in Garner, Iowa.

The Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Chetek has been entrusted with arrangements.

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