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Earl W. Lemke, 83, of Fergus Falls
Published 9:18am Monday, November 12, 2012 Updated 11:24am Monday, November 12, 2012Earl Lemke, died Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls.
He was born Oct. 28, 1929, in Erhard, the son of William and Annie (Froslie) Lemke. Earl was baptized on April 18, 1930, in Erhard and confirmed at Sverdrup Lutheran Church in Underwood.
He moved with his family to Underwood and attended school in Underwood graduating in 1947. While in school he was a member of the basketball team.
Following high school, Earl enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving from 1948-1952 and re-enlisted in 1957, serving until 1973. He earned the National Defense service medal with a bronze star, Air Force good conduct medal with an oak leaf cluster, Air Force Sergeant Assistant medal award with two oak leaf clusters, was in a unit that earned the Air Force outstanding unit award, and was a small arms expert marksman.
Upon his discharge he was a Senior Master Sergeant.
Between his service duties, he was employed at a bank in downtown Minneapolis. After his discharge he attended Alexandria Technical School and earned a degree in carpentry.
He then spent his time helping people as a handyman.
He was a member of the Underwood American Legion Post 489, enjoyed visiting people and bringing them treats, enjoyed yard work and was a great worker at the Community Center in Underwood.
He enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews and loved little kids. While living at the Veterans Home, he was known as Mr. Underwood and to others he was “Earl the Pearl.”
Preceding him in death were his parents; a sister, Doris Kobiska and two brothers, Roy and David.
Survivors include two sisters, Arlene Dornberg of Wisconsin and Marilyn (Lavern) Thompson of Fergus Falls; a brother, John (Shirley) Lemke of Washington; and nieces and nephews. Special to him were Tim and DeeDee Moore and their children, Brittany and Patrick, of Underwood, whom he welcomed as if they were his family and they also welcomed him into their family.
Visitation: One hour prior to the service
Memorial Service: 2 p.m. Monday, at the Minnesota Veterans Home, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Rev. Mark Johnson
Burial: Ft. Snelling National Cemetery
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls
Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com
