Lyle Thomas (Tom) Lemke

Tom passed away on November 23rd, 2024, at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, MN surrounded by his loving family.

Tom was born to Herman and Dorothy (White) Lemke on February 7, 1942 in Minneapolis. After his father's death when Tom was three, his mother married William Hartkopf. Tom grew up on the family farm, attended a country school through eighth grade and graduated from Osseo High School, as Valedictorian of his class. He earned his degree in electrical engineering in 1963 from the University of Minnesota. He worked full time for Honeywell while earning his Master's Degree.

On July 3, 1965, he married his high school sweetheart, Susan Bergquist, at Salem English Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. They were blessed with two daughters, Kirsten and Renée.

Tom and Susan moved to Rochester where Tom joined IBM in August 1965. After 35 years as an engineering manager, Tom retired in 2000.

As a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church for 25 years, he served as a deacon. In 1990 the family joined Zumbro Lutheran Church where he was a member for the rest of his life. He served on the Personnel Committee for many years. As a member of Day Makers Kiwanis, he was involved with the annual Holiday Hockey Event and for many years was a volunteer tax preparer for AARP. For several years he was a member of the MN Republican Steering Committee. Tom was President of the Rochester Civic Theater Board of Directors and represented Zumbro Lutheran Church on the Samaritan Bethany Board.

Tom enjoyed reading, starting plants in his greenhouse, investing, the theater and concerts, and was always ready for a game of cribbage. For more than 50 years, he and Susan traveled throughout the world and for more than 40 years enjoyed their winter vacations in Puerto Vallarta. Most of all, Tom loved spending time with his family.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife Susan of 59 years, his daughters Kirsten Lemke of Minnetonka, MN and Renee (Michael) Nesnidal of Jordan, MN; six grandchildren Izaak Lundberg, Jakob and Kaleb Lemke, and John, Madeline, and Andrew Nesnidal; half-brother Bobb (Maja) Hartkopf, sister-in-law Donna Hartkopf, nephews Rick and Mike Hartkopf and many cousins, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, stepbrother Wayne Hartkopf and sisters-in-law Peg Hartkopf and Linda Hartkopf.

Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Zumbro Lutheran Church, 624 Third Avenue SW, Rochester, MN 55902, Alzheimer's Association, 12701 Whitewater Dr, Minnetonka, MN 55343, or a charity of the donor's choice.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held on December 21, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Zumbro Lutheran Church, 624 Third Ave. SW, Rochester with Pastor Tim Rotman officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Lemke family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com