Marvin Clarence Lemke

Marvin C. Lemke, age 87, of Appleton, was surrounded by family as he passed away on October 16th, 2024 at his home. He was born on August 24th, 1937, the son of the late Clarence and Hildegard Lemke. That’s when it all started. Following is a very brief recap of the highlights of Marv’s life as told by Carrie, his youngest daughter.

Marvin miraculously graduated from Hilbert High School in 1955. It’s a wonder they didn’t kick him out sooner. Those close to him know there was an unfortunate incident with pigs that closed down the school for a bit. No one understands why they let him graduate- in today’s world he probably would have been arrested - but they did. Perhaps it was because they just wanted him to move on.

Marv joined the Marine Corps after high school, where he was a bugler – a role he was immensely proud of. He played in the Marine band and often traveled for ceremonies and events. It was playing Taps at funerals though that he remembered as his greatest role and responsibility while enlisted. He did not carry the responsibility of laying fellow Marines to rest with honor, respect and gratitude lightly. Because of this, Marv will be laid to rest with full military honors including an honor guard of active Marines and a volunteer bugler playing Taps as a tribute to his sacrifice and dedication to our country and his fellow servicemen.

After the Marine Corps, Marv met his best friend and wife, Carolyn. Marv and Carolyn were married 60 years, 2 weeks and 6 days. As the story goes, dad proposed they get married because he was “sick and tired of fighting with her.” There was also a bowling ball involved as well but the role that played in the story never has been made clear. Ironically, each of their four children would tell you that we never – ever – saw or heard them fight. It was an amazingly strong and loving relationship.

Professor Marv or Marvelous Marv, as he was nicknamed, worked at Foremost Farms on John Street in Appleton for over 40 years. Throughout his time there, he frequently spoke of “his guys” (his team) and made various gestures to show his appreciation for their hard work. Whether arranging cookouts or bringing in food, he did these things just because he cared. Marv believed in treating his team and fellow human beings with kindness and respect. The impact he had on his team was evident at his retirement party, where about 10 of his co-workers showed up wearing his old work shirts with the name Marv still embroidered on them – they just couldn’t let go of him. His work ethic, care, and compassion were values he masterfully instilled in his children.

Why “Professor” Marv? Because he knew exactly 30 seconds about every possible topic on this earth and would share that knowledge with everyone who paused long enough to listen (co-worker, grocery store worker, stranger he met on the street, waiter/waitress, his children, etc.). Why 30 seconds? If you ask his children, that’s about how long he would pause on each and every channel that existed as he watched tv. In the 70’s and 80’s, the carpet next to the tv was worn thin by his children fidgeting as they took their turn changing channels for him – the remote control was perhaps the greatest and most freeing invention ever for his children.

Yes, Marv’s 4 children meant the world to him; however, his world was only complete when each of his 4 grandchildren were born. He had a “magic” shoulder that could quiet the worst of crying spells. Dad was unwavering in his pride for the family he was responsible for bringing into this world and wouldn’t hesitate a moment to say they were his greatest accomplishment. He also enjoyed painting, coloring, feeding the birds, playing a daily game of cribbage with Carolyn, stripping copper wire, camping (when younger) watching Carolyn gamble, unsuccessfully trying to convince his children that their “memories were false!”, driving the backroads (in one instance, for hours upon hours when a turtle needed to be rehomed), reading, woodworking, telling others the history of cheese, making old fashioned mix and hunting. If any of those activities could also include family his version of ultimate contentment and bliss were achieved.

Marvin is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carolyn Fritsch; his sister, Elaine Kielgas; his brother, Richard Lemke; his children Gregory (Andrea) Lemke-Rochon, Robert (Keri) Lemke, and Carrie Lemke; his son-in-law Steven (Racheal) Danelski; his grandchildren Demetra (Daniel) Rosen, Autumn (Casey) Dunn, Irissa Danelski, and Jeremiah (Micayla) Lemke-Rochon; and great-grandchildren Mars Rosen and Hugo Dunn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Carol Teetzen and Marilyn Stecker, and his daughter Julie Danelski.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, October 21st, 2024, at Faith Lutheran church of Appleton. Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 am until the time of the service. Interment will be held at a later time at Riverside Cemetery of Appleton. 

I often said near the end that I could not comprehend a world without my father – he was an absolutely unique human being that meant the world to me. Shortly after he died, I stepped outside for some air. I began wondering where I would be able to find my dad now that he had passed. Then, just as I realized the bird feeders needed to be filled, it struck me, I will find my dad in every moment of every day, in every reflection I see in the mirror – he is the best part of me. I will cherish every minute I spent with him painting, coloring and listening to Johnny Cash. I will always remember and cherish the time we were silently doing our thing when he paused, looked at me and simply said, “I’m glad you’re here.” If my only role in life was to give him company and comfort while dementia tore down his world, then I am honored and it will always be enough for me. 

Regardless of what you called him - Dad, Professor Marv or Marvelous Marv – he will be painfully missed by everyone that knew him.

My family would like to thank Heartland Hospice for their unwavering patience with each question we had, for being as concerned about our dad as we were, and for guiding us through the worst imaginable storm. There are not words to express how thankful we are that we found you when we did. Our time together was short but your impact was great.