David H. Lemke

Dave was born Sept. 15, 1941, in Antigo, Wis., to the late Herbert and Helen (Kussow) Lemke, grew up in Wisconsin and lower Michigan, and graduated from Williamston High School in Williamston, Mich., in 1959.

Dave entered the Michigan State Police force in 1967 and after spending 18 months at the Bridgeport post near Saginaw, transferred in 1969 to the Michigan State Police post in Iron Mountain, a decision he never regretted. After 25 years of service, Dave retired from the force in 1992. He then worked for MJ Electric in the safety division and most recently drove an armored vehicle for local banking establishments.

Dave married Catherine (Norton) Lemke on May 12, 1962, in Gladwin, Mich. Dave and Cathy raised their family in Iron Mountain and moved to Kingsford in 1997. Cathy preceded him in death on Sept. 18, 2019, after 57 years of marriage.

Dave was born into the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and baptized into the faith on Oct. 12, 1941, 79 years to the day that he left this world to join his Lord. He was a member of the Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain.

Dave loved adventure, his family and friends, and serving others. He was an avid motorcyclist and for many years toured alongside friends or on his own to various destinations, with the National State Parks of Bryce and Zion being some of his favorites. While serving with the Michigan State Police, he was selected to go to Australia for a Rotary group exchange program.

Trooper Dave, as he was known to many, served for 12 years as the MSP Community Service Officer and taught CPR to area residents through the Red Cross and Community Schools for over 15 years.

He loved a good cup of coffee or a great steak out with his many friends, and lending anyone a hand with a project. Despite the many health challenges thrown at him over the past couple of years, he remained upbeat and optimistic to the very end.

Dave will be lovingly remembered by his children, Sally Lemke of Oak Park, Ill., and Jeffrey (Patty) Lemke of Cary, Ill.; his five grandchildren, Adam Lemke-Bell, Charlie Lemke-Bell, Mitchell Lemke, Lucy Lemke, and Gavin Lemke; his sisters, Myrna Hollander and Ruth (Keith) Krueger; his brother, Kenneth (Carol) Lemke; several nieces and nephews; and many very special friends.

Services will take place at a later date, when coming together in the way that best honors Dave’s life can be done safely, and will be announced. In the meantime, condolences to the family of Dave Lemke may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.