Ellen R. Lemke

Mrs. Ellen R. Lemke, of Bay City, passed away Tuesday afternoon, April 4, 2017 at McLaren Bay Region, age 86. The daughter of the late Russell and Gladys (Lutze) Pafford, she was born on April 13, 1930 in Bay City. Ellen worked at The Bay City Times for 25 years. She was a member of Kawkawlin Community Church. Ellen enjoyed golf and was an avid card player. She loved her social gatherings going to dinner and playing cards with her family and numerous friends.
In 1947 Ellen married Donald F. Lemke and he preceded her in death in 1985. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Warren (Caroline) Pafford. Ellen is survived by a brother, Wendell (Donna) Pafford; her four sons, Tom (Pauline) Lemke of Melvindale, Robert Lemke of Bay City, John (Lisa) Lemke of Kawkawlin and Donald "D.A." Lemke of Holt; her 11 grandchildren, Dennis, Nicole, Kurt, Brianna, Bill, Vickie, Melissa, Sean, Tyler, Michael and Lindsay and 12 great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Charles (Gail) Lemke; a sister-in-law, Lois Oppat; and many nieces and nephews.
The Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at Kawkawlin Community Church. Officiating will be Rev. Charles Campbell with interment following at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home on Friday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Mrs. Lemke will lie instate at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. www.gephartfuneralhome.com