Darlene (Donna) Lemke

Age: 93

October 21, 1930 – November 12, 2023

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 21 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Cloud, MN. Visitation one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. The interment will be at Acacia Cemetery in Clearwater, MN.

Donna was born on October 21, 1930, in Bongards MN to Otto and Magdalena Willemsen. Following graduation from high school, Donna worked at Commander Elevator for a short time until offered a job at the Bongards Creamery where she worked until she got married. Donna met Don Lemke at a church gathering on Reformation Day. Don was singing in the choir while Donna accompanied the group on piano. They were married on August 16, 1952.

Through the years Donna always had a servant’s heart for everyone. She enjoyed working in the church whether as an organist, a Sunday school teacher, being part of Naomi Circle, or working in the church gardens.

Donna loved to prepare food for others in need through Place of Hope, and for friends, neighbors, and family. She had the gift of hospitality and made holidays, birthdays, and other occasions beautiful and special.

Donna had a deep personal love not only for her family but for others around her. We felt safe knowing she was always there for us. When she moved to Country Manor, she began her ‘ministry on wheels’ extending compassion, comfort, encouragement, and uplifting to other residents and staff stating, “I can still do some good”. Donna was also a prayer warrior. When she prayed, it was powerful.

Donna wanted to be remembered for her love of nature and music, and especially for her family. Her children all agree she was the best Mom in the whole wide world. We have all been supremely blessed. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Donna is survived by her children, Kurt (Cindy) Lemke, St. Cloud; Wendy (Ken) Langanki, Two Harbors; Debra (Earl Clark) Humphries, Spring Park; Mark (Karen) Lemke, Verndale; and Paul (Anna) Lemke, Ely, IA, 10 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and her sister, Lorraine Born, Edina.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Don, on October 4, 2012, brother and sister, Franklin Willemsen, and Merle Herd, and grandson, Luke Lemke.

Schedule and Information

Visitation Details

10:00 AM, Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at the church.

Service Details

11:00 AM, Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at the church.

Visitation and Service Location

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

4310 Co Rd 137, St Cloud, MN 56301