David Lemke

David had a strong, unwavering faith in the Lord which reflected on everything he accomplished in his life. His commitment to his wife, sons, and family was strengthened by this faith. Trinity Lutheran Church was a vital part of Dave's life and he enjoyed participating in all types of activities with his extended church family. His friends were also important and he always knew the right things to say to make all those around him laugh. Dave knew how to live life to the fullest, earning him the nickname, "Maximum Dave." He leaves behind a legacy that includes his family, friends, and business. This legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing Dave. His hardworking attitude and dedication to life provided him with many blessings, which he was more than willing to share.

Dave was born September 24th 1969, in Wausau, WI, the son of Donald and Mary (Redlin) Lemke. He attended grade school in Marathon, WI and graduated from Marathon High School in 1987. Since he was a teenager, Dave worked at Lemke Industrial Machine. After high school, he went on to graduate from Milwaukee school of Engineering, in 1993, and returned home to eventually become President of the family business.

On June 18th 1994, he was united in marriage to Jennifer Riskey and over the years, they were blessed with two sons, Tyler and Justin. He took great pleasure in teaching his boys how to water ski and about life lessons. Dave passed on the tradition of making a Saturday "big breakfast" for the family. Date night with Jen was an anticipated night out for the couple. Activities he enjoyed all revolved around socializing and being together. Snowmobiling, fishing, hunting, pontoon rides around the lake, going up North, and Friday lunch rides with friends on motorcycles will never be the same without Dave.

Tyler and Justin said their dad always told them, "You can achieve anything if you put your heart, mind, and soul into it." We will all miss you, David.

David Allen Lemke, of Marathon, died unexpectedly on October 20, 2011, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison. He was 42 years old.

Dave will be sadly missed and always be remembered by his wife, Jennifer Lemke, Marathon; 2 sons, Tyler and Justin; father, Donald Lemke, Marathon; brother, Brad (Kris) Lemke and their daughter, Olivia, Wausau; parents-in-law, Gerald and Mary Riskey, Florida; brother-in-law, Curtis (Barbara) Riskey and their children, Emma, Andrea, and Quin, Colorado; other family members; and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Lawrence Lemke; and mother, Mary Lemke, in April 2009.

A celebration of Dave's life will be held at, 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 26th, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. The Reverend Gary Schultz will officiate. Burial will be private at the Minocqua Memorial Cemetery. Family will receive guests Tuesday, October 25th from 4 – 8:00 p.m., at the Helke Funeral Home, Wausau; and again at church on Wednesday beginning at 10:00 a.m.