Ardell Lemke

Ardell Marion Emma Lemke, 88, of Wausau died peacefully Sunday morning, June 24, 2012 at Ministry St. Clare's Hospital.
She was born on March 2, 1924 in Wausau to the late Herman and Alma (Haasch) Steffen. On July 7, 1945, Ardell married Marcus Emil Lemke at Trinity Lutheran Church, town of Stettin. For many years she worked at Baeseman's Shoe and Clothing Store. Ardell also worked hand-in-hand with Marcus in the family business, Lemke School Bus Service, Wausau. Ardell was the first woman school bus driver in Wisconsin and enjoyed all of the children she drove. She was an active member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church where she participated in Bible Study and Christian small group study. Ardell enjoyed cross stitch, quilting, canning, and making venison sausage and sauerkraut. We will miss her always positive attitude, patience, kindness and especially her beautiful smile.
Survivors include two sons, Thomas (Barbara) Lemke of Bingham Farms, Mi, Daniel (Sara) Lemke of Wausau and five grandchildren, Jeffrey, Jenna, Jillian, Joshua and Mathew. Ardell was preceded in death by Marcus, one son, David, one brother, Marvin (Evelyn) Steffen and two sisters, Alice (Alfred) Meilke and Viona (Franklin) Christian.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 28, 2012 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Wausau. Reverend Bruce Lamont will officiate. Burial will be in Big Hill Cemetery, town of Berlin. Visitation will be Thursday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.