Harry Edward Lemke
Harry Edward Lemke, Jr., of St. Peters, Missouri, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2017, at the age of 83. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on August 14, 1934 to the late Harry and Margaret Lemke.
Harry drank full from the cup of life. Sometimes he even had seconds. He will be remembered for his sense of humor. He loved to joke and tease, especially with his grandchildren. He also had many “funny” sayings which are too numerous to list, but which any of his kids and grandkids could rattle off from memory without hesitation. One of his favorite responses when asked how he was doing was, “I’m finer than frog hair.” And he was. Harry will also be remembered for his loyalty to family and friends. If you were one of them, you knew he had your back. Harry loved life, but more than anything, he loved his family and friends.
In 1954, Harry eloped with his high school sweet heart, Celeste Morales, who predeceased him in December 2010. They were married for 56 years. Harry is survived by his daughter, Victoria VandeWaarsenburg and her husband, Frank; his son, David Lemke and his wife, Elizabeth; his daughter, Carol Anne Toolen and her husband, Kevin; his grandchildren, Casey Chapman and his wife, Jodi, Carrie Lemke, Emma Lemke and Charlotte Lemke, Milinda Toolen and her fiancé, Justin Lux, Timothy Toolen, and Michael Toolen; his great-grandchildren, Parker Chapman, Connor Chapman, Cooper Chapman, Tyler Chapman, and Scarlett Toolen, and cousins and friends. In addition to his wife, he is predeceased by his parents and his sister, Carol Anne Lemke.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Church, 7701 State Highway N, Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368. Visitation will take place at the chapel (“the old church”-smaller building right at corner of Hwy N and Hanley Rd.) starting at 10:00 a.m. on that day. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made in Harry’s memory to American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago IL 60674 (or on-line at https://donatenow.heart.org/?ploc=83969) or to your favorite charity.
Anne and Kevin and family,
I remember your Dad coming over to visit you when you were are neighbors on Flamingo Dr and talking to him over the fence he was so friendly and I felt just a nice guy! Also talking to you Mom, they always had a smile on their face and I just think Mindy resembles Celeste! Sending my prayers for all of you and you will always remember the good times!
Sincerely,
Linda
Kevin, Anne and family, We are truly sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful man and he’s in his happy place now with your Mom. Our Condolences are with you all at this time.
Deepest sympathy goes out to Anne and her family. Please know you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Love you. I am here if you need me.
Anne, Kevin, and kids; Anne I will always remember his smile and how friendly he was. I saw him about 3 years ago walking his dog by his apartment and I stopped to say hello. I knew he looked familiar and when he spoke, I remembered. What a wonderful man he was. Our sympathy goes out to you all, with love and prayers attached.
Dave, Anne and Vicky,
My sympathies for your loss. Your dad (and mom) were great people. Harry (Mr. Lemke) was like a second father to me, teaching me to fish and water ski, and always treated me like one of his own. He was the perfect mix of John Wayne and Rodney Dangerfield. The world is a sadder place without Harry Lemke.
Wishing you all the best,
Bob
Annie , Dave and Vicki,
So sorry for your loss, your dad was such a memorable man and such a fixture in my childhood. He never failed to make you feel welcome, special, and happy. He always had something to say( always funny) and his love for you three became more and more evident over the years.