Michael G. Lemke

It is with full hearts and deep gratitude for a life well-lived that we share the passing of Michael G. Lemke, age 79 - a proud Manawa resident since 1971 and a Bear Lake neighbor since 1992. Michael passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, surrounded by his family and the love of the community he gave so much to.

Michael wore many hats in his years here: a dedicated math and science teacher, a friendly face behind the bar at Mike's Cheyenne Club, a trusted bookie for more games than anyone could count, a concrete worker and house painter who never minded rolling up his sleeves, and a legendary coach who led Manawa's high school baseball team all the way to a State Championship victory in 1983 - a story still told with pride. Of that championship, he always said, "It was one of the greatest memories of my life, but it was also more their doing than mine." He also volunteered his time with the American Legion baseball team, passing on his love of the game to countless players.

Over the years, he answered to many nicknames - Luscious Lars, Choppie, The Commissioner - each one earned through laughter, loyalty, and maybe a little mischief.

Mike loved the simple pleasures most: a good hand of cards, an honest conversation over a whiskey drink, old westerns playing on the TV, calm pontoon rides on Bear Lake, and the crack of a baseball hitting the bat on a warm summer evening - if you listen close enough, you'll still find him there.

He was a faithful member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and his faith, stubborn kindness and humor carried him through life's greatest joys and deepest heartaches. He was chosen as a "scrawny" 6-month-old baby by his parents, Arnold and Alma Lemke, who gave him a life full of love - something he always felt blessed by. Mike grew up on the family farm in Shiocton and never lost that farm boy spirit; whether tending to chores as a boy or simply enjoying the land and lake as a man, he carried that work ethic and simple love for the outdoors with him to the very end. Even as he faced cancer in recent years, he did so with the same grit and grace that made him a pillar in so many lives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Alma Lemke; his beloved twin daughters, Charlotte and Charlene; and his stillborn baby boy.

He leaves behind his bride of nearly 60 years, Suzanne, who never left his side since they married on July 24, 1965; his daughter Laura Halverson (Steven); his granddaughter Alecia Peterik (Stefan); his great-grandchildren Eleanora Kayleigh and Lawson Michael; and his brother Dennis Lemke.

A Memorial Service to celebrate and honor Mike will be held on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at 2:00 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Manawa with Rev. Nathan Reichle officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be held prior to the service starting at 1:00 PM. The service will be followed by a light lunch at the church and a drink on Choppie at Steve and Michelle’s Midtown. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Manawa Athletic Department (515 E. 4th St. Manawa, WI 54949).

We invite you to share your favorite photos, memories, and "Michael G-isms" below. He touched so many lives - let's keep his stories and his laughter alive together.

"A man's not dead while his name is still spoken." - Terry Pratchett