Byron Lemke

Byron Frederick Lemke, 80, a resident of Elizabeth, died Thursday, November 20, 2008, at his home.  He was born October 9, 1928, in rural Pelican Rapids, the son of Fritz and Marie (Seidel) Lemke. He grew up on the farm near Pelican Rapids, and attended country school there. He served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1955 in the Korean War. On April 23, 1960, he married Avis Grunewald at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Rothsay. He worked for Burlington Northern Railroad for 35 years.  He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, American Legion Post #30, the Elizabeth Sportsmen’s Club, Thrivent, and a retired member of the Elizabeth Fire Department. Byron enjoyed gardening, watching the Minnesota Twins, fishing, and especially visiting with family and friends. He thoroughly enjoyed his recent 80th birthday celebration. Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Avis, in 1998; and a son, Darrell, in 1982. Survivors include three children: Dean Lemke and Dan (Julie) Lemke of Elizabeth, and Dawn (Jerry) Ott of Fergus Falls; seven grandchildren: Adam, Jesse, Fritz and Anna Lemke, and Ryan, Tyler and Sydney Ott; and seven siblings: Joyce Lynnes of Pelican Rapids, Eileen Halvorson of Cloquet, Jerald (Marlys) Lemke of Elizabeth, Marvin (LaVonne) Lemke of Erhard, Idella (James) Nitz of Rothsay, Duane (Faye) Lemke of Anoka, and Keith (Lucille) Lemke of Spring Lake Park. Visitation:  12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Service: 1 p.m. Monday at St. John Lutheran Church in Elizabeth Clergy: Reverend Wallace Larson Interment St. John Cemetery in Elizabeth Military Participation by the Fergus Falls American Legion and VFW Post 612 Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com