Larry John Lemke

When Larry Lemke took his last breath and headed to the 19th hole on July 25, 2020, we lost a brother, uncle, loyal friend, army buddy, and the life of the party. Born in 1950 on the special day of December 21th. He was the first born, only son and much loved child of Oscar John and Catherine Ann Gallivan Lemke. At LaPorte Hospital, Larry and his Mom were fortunate enough to share a room with one day old Bruce Blaha and his mother Bessie. This pretty much laid the plans for the rest of Larry’s life. He always had a friend and buddy by his side. Larry’s family includes sisters he affectingly referred to as The Girls. He will be greatly missed by all 3 of them: The older, Maureen and husband Greg Bryant with their sons and wives Michael & Megan and Andrew & Katie; The middle one, Ann and husband Tom Williams with his only niece Becky and fiancé David; The youngest, fishing buddy Kris and friend Mike Healy. Larry was also the proud Great Uncle to Sophie, Eva, Keane and Tristan. Also joining Larry on the 19th hole are his parents, nephew Sam Williams, dogs Sh*t Head, Jake and Missy. He will also be greeted by friends Tom L., Danny, Eddie, Dusty, Sue and Patty, Ron Santo, Walter Payton and Ronnie Van Zant. Larry attended SS Cyril & Methodious Catholic grade school. He was a proud graduating member of North Judson San Pierre High School Whiskey, Rum, Beer and Wine Class of 1969. Larry served in the United States Army. He was a Vulcan Air Defense System Crewman serving overseas at Kaiserslautern Germany. Larry kept in touch with many of his fellow servicemen. They continue to have reunions and he always looked forward to seeing them. Larry was a member of American Legion Post 92 and an auxiliary member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 748. Larry was good with his hands. He was willing to pitch in and help fix whenever needed. Working on the leaf gang, lifeguarding, being a railroad signaler, overseeing shipping, working with furnaces and doing maintenance provided a life he lived to the fullest. He has been described by co-workers as having a loving heart and an infectious laugh. Larry’s gravelly voice will be missed and his family will continue to do impressions of it. Larry was had a strong sense of responsibility and offered help to friends, whether it be a shoulder, a ride, shelter, a wrench or a beer. Larry marked the seasons by what sport he was playing. In high school, he played football, basketball, track and baseball. He was a champion at badminton. He bowled and played pool. His true passions were for golf and fishing. When he finally qualified for Indiana’s Senior Fish-for-Life license, he was overjoyed. As much as he enjoyed playing sports, Larry was a fervent sports fan. He was an official member of the Die-Hard Cub Fan Club starting in 1960. His membership certificate is signed by the one and only Ernie Banks. He also followed the Chicago Bears. Family visits were scheduled around game time. To honor Larry, a graveside military service will be held on Saturday, August 15th, at 2 o’clock Central Time. Burial will be at the Bass Lake Cemetery, Knox IN. To protect friends and family from COVID 19, Indiana State mandates requiring face masks and social distancing will be followed. Mask will be available. Feel free to show your loyalty to the Cubs and Bears. After the ceremony, join us at OTES 5235 W State Road 10, North Judson, IN to share memories, a laugh or a tear. Larry supported the Wounded Warrior Project and memorials can continue that legacy. Please make a donation in Larry’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project WWP P.O. Box 758513, Topeka, KS 66675 or go to https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org May your journey take you where your line is tight, your drive straight and true, your music loud and your beer cold. To protect friends and family from COVID 19, Indiana State mandates requiring face masks and social distancing will be followed. Masks will be provided. Feel free to show your loyalty to the Cubs and Bears. Have safe travels on your journey.

Larry John Lemke

December 21, 1950 - July 25, 2020