Louis Lemke

Louis E. Lemke, 89, of Des Moines, Iowa and formerly of Casey, Iowa, passed away Monday, March 22, 2010, at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa of natural causes after a short illness.


Louis E. Lemke was born April 23, 1920, in Casey, Iowa to August and Maria (Krause) Lemke. He was raised in Casey and attended Casey community schools, graduating from Casey High School in 1937. He later married Esther Louise Bittner in 1942, shortly before being drafted into the United States Navy. After his service in World War II he returned home to Casey, Iowa. Louis and Esther had three children with this union, Joyce, Randall and Louis. After the war, Louis remained in the military serving and retiring from the United States Navy Reserves as a Chief Petty Officer, after over 20 years of service.

Louis lived in various counties in Iowa working as a Conservation Officer for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) before accepting his final position with the DNR in Adair County. Louis had various jobs before making his career with the State of Iowa for over 35 years.

Louis was a member for many years of St. John's Lutheran Church in Casey, Iowa. In his retirement Louis and Esther enjoyed traveling to Branson, Missouri and spending the winter months in Arizona.

Louis is survived by his wife Esther Lemke of Des Moines, Iowa; his son, Lou Lemke of Adel, Iowa; his son-in-law, Paul Johnson of Des Moines, Iowa; four grandchildren; his brother Harold Lemke of California; and several other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Joyce (Lemke) Johnson, his son Randall; two brothers and a sister.


Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, March 24, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery in Casey, Iowa.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday March 24, 2010, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., at St. John's Lutheran Church in Casey prior to the graveside service.

Hockenberry Family Care Funeral Home in Casey, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.