Phyllis G. Lemke

Obituary

Phyllis Gertrude (Schmitz) Lemke was born on April 11, 1937, at the family home in Bongards, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Oscar and Agnes (Schug) Schmitz. Phyllis was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth both at St. John’s Evangelical and Reformed Church in Bongards. Phyllis received her education in Norwood Young America, Minnesota, and graduated with the Central High School class of 1955.  

On June 1, 1957, Phyllis was united in marriage to Howard Glenn Lemke by Rev. P. H. Franzmeier at St. John’s Evangelical and Reformed Church in Benton Township, Norwood, Minnesota.  Howard and Phyllis made their home in Plato, Minnesota.  Their marriage was blessed with five children: Gregg, Daniel, Patricia, Rob, and Ryan. Howard and Phyllis shared over 63 years of marriage when Howard passed away on June 5, 2020.  

Phyllis worked various jobs throughout the years. She was employed at Lind’s Super Club, Littfin Bldg. Center, Super Valu, the Long-Term Care at Glencoe Regional Health Services, and prior to retiring, she worked as a Professional Housekeeper. Phyllis was an active and faithful member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Plato. 

Phyllis enjoyed spending time in her garden, relaxing with a good book and coloring. She also enjoyed traveling and dining out at restaurants. Phyllis greatly cherished spending time with her family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends.

Phyllis passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at GlenFields Living with Care in Glencoe, at the age of 87 years, 8 months, and 7 days. Blessed be her memory.

Phyllis is survived by her:
Children: Gregg Lemke and his wife, Lori,
                Patricia Schilling and her husband, Randy,
                Rob Lemke and his wife, Denise,
                Ryan Lemke and his wife, Mindy;
Grandchildren: Shawn Lemke, Josh Lemke and his wife, Emily, Crystal Marvan and her husband, John, Trisha Fenske and her husband, Tylor, Traci Schwarzrock and her husband, Cale, Samantha Thompson and her husband, Mitchell, Olivia Wraspir and her husband, Andrew, Spencer Lemke, Hannah Schuette and her husband, Seth, Maddy Lemke and her fiancé, Adam Garoutte;
Great-Grandchildren: Cameron, Clayton, Jozelyn, Aspen, Oakston, Remy, Riva, Winnie, Kennedy, Alaina, Gretta, Mason, Noah, Elijah;
Siblings: Dennis Schmitz, Steven Schmitz, and his wife, Bonnie;
Sisters-In-Law: Shirley Schmitz, Marge Lemke;
Nieces, Nephews, Other Relatives, and Friends.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her Parents: Oscar and Agnes Schmitz; Parents-In-Law: Arnold and Esther Lemke and Lillian (Zuehl) Lemke; Son, Daniel Lemke; Brother, DuWayne Schmitz; Brothers-In-Law and Sisters-in-Law: Arlo Lemke, Eldora Pulkrabek and her husband, Jack.