Rita Lemke, 89, of Cecil, passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2019, in Appleton. Rita was born July 2, 1930, in Winona, Minnesota, to the late Walter and Mollie (Fetting) Huebsch. On Sept. 20, 1958, Rita was united in marriage to Lee Lemke in Wheaton, Illinois. She loved flowers and gardening. Rita also loved animals of all kinds, especially horses. She showed Arabian horses for many years in many different venues and was a member of the Arabian Horse Society, as well as the Wisconsin Desert Horse Association. Over the years, she grew attached to many of the animals in her life but had a special place in her heart for her Boston terrier, Princess. Rita was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Shawano where she was involved with Zion Lutheran Church Women and Dorcas Circle. She was also an active member of the Shawano Women’s Club.
Rita is survived by her husband of 61 years, Lee; her children, Lee (Leslie) Lemke, of Georgia, Gregory (Diane) Lemke, of Pennsylvania, Mark (Gwen) Lemke, of Waunakee, Kenneth (Patty) Lemke, of Illinois, Phyllis (James) Volanti, of Florida, and Dwight (Susan) Lemke, of Cecil; 18 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Mollie, two brothers, Blaise and Neal; and her grandson, Michael.
A memorial service for Rita will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, 2019, at Zion Lutheran Church in Shawano with the Rev. Scott Ludford officiating. Inurnment will be in Graceland Cemetery in Clintonville. Visitation will be held at the church Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.