Lee Lemke age 98, of Cecil Wisconsin passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, in Shawano, Wisconsin. Lee was born on January 19, 1926, in Tomahawk, Wisconsin to the late  Elmer and Bessie (Breed) Lemke. He was the only brother to his sisters: Betty, Sandy, & Luanne. Lee graduated from Appleton High School and aspired to build and fly planes. When he was 18, he attended University of Wisconsin with a concentration in Mechanical Engineering.  Lee was called to join the United States Navy and went into officer training at Princeton. He became a Lieutenant and was on active duty during WW2 and the Korean War. His Naval career allowed him to eventually finish his studies at University of Wisconsin with a Mechanical Engineering degree. Lee began his first engineering job at International Harvester and eventually was head of all the testing and development throughout the world for International Harvester/Navistar. He worked at International Harvester / Navistar for 35 plus years. Lee retired and moved up to Deer Haven Ranch, Cecil, WI.  He received his professional engineering license and continued working as a mechanical engineer while consulting to various companies. Lee was an active longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church in Shawano.

In 1947, Lee was united in marriage to Ruth Nelson, Ruth preceded him in death in 1957.  Lucky to find love again, Lee married Rita Huebsch in 1958.  Lee and Rita were married for 61 years. Rita passed away on July 10, 2019. Lee continued with his passion of flying and was known to his family and friends as "the Uber pilot." He flew his family to all sorts of destinations.  Lee's favorite place to land, of course, was Deer Haven Ranch.

He loved his family and friends, especially the 3-year Family Reunions that he hosted at DHR.  He loved playing ping pong with anyone and challenging everyone to a game of chess, which he was a master of. Lee's scavenger hunts during the Reunions were notorious with all kinds of wild clues keeping all the grandchildren roaming the property!!

Lee was a true fan of the Packers. During fall football season, he couldn't wait to see them win the championships and loved discussing the games with his family. Lee also loved nature and especially gazing out the front window of his house. He sent videos of the sand hill cranes. Lee was a true family man that kept his family united even though they lived far apart. He lived a beautiful life and will truly be missed by his family and loved ones.

Lee is survived by: his children, Lee (Leslie) Lemke, Gregory (Diane) Lemke, Mark (Gwen) Lemke, Kenneth (Patty) Lemke, Phyllis (James) Volanti, and Dwight (Susan) Lemke; 18 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Sandra (John) VanderWater and Luanne (Jim) Gabriel. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Lee is preceded in death by: his wife, Rita; his first wife, Ruth; a grandson, Michael; a sister, Betty Bobrow; and his parents, Elmer and Bessie.

A graveside service for Lee will be held at 10:00 am on Friday August 23, 2024, at Graceland Cemetery in Clintonville.