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Margie B. Lemke Obituary – 3/3/2019


Margie B. Lemke, age 87, of Mora, formerly of Howard Lake, passed away Sunday, March 3, 2019, at the Eastwood Senior Living Facility in Mora.

Her funeral service will be Saturday, March 9 at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 401 South Highway 65 in Mora, with the Rev. Tony Cloose officiating. Visitation will be at the church, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Interment will be Monday, March 11 at 11 a.m. at the Howard Lake Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Akkerman Ingebrand Funeral Home of Mora. Condolences may be posted at www.aifuneralhome.com.

Margie was born July 18, 1931, in Howard Lake, to Rueben and Ruth (Davis) Diers. She was baptized Aug. 16, 1931, and confirmed March 25, 1945, at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake. Her confirmation verse was, “We are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:20)

When Margie was 2 years old, her mother passed away, and her grandparents, Albert and Linda Diers, loved and raised her.

Margie attended St. James Lutheran Parochial School through the eighth grade, and graduated from Howard Lake High School June 1, 1949.

She married the love of her life, Gordon Lemke, June 13, 1950. When daughter Nancy was born, she was the joy of Margie’s life.

Margie worked for Armour & Company for 10 years, and later for Honeywell. She also worked part time for Spring Vale Mutual Insurance Company for her son-in-law, Gary.

Margie and Gordon purchased a farm at Rogers in 1960; then, in 1976, moved to a farm northwest of Mora. In 1980, Gordon retired and they devoted their time to raising beef cattle and farming.

In 1989, they moved to a small farm in Comfort Township, just south of Mora, and built their dream retirement home. Later, Margie moved to Foley, where Gordon resided in memory care, so that she could spend time with him every day.

Margie was very active at Zion Lutheran Church and for a short time, served on the church council. Her faith in Jesus Christ was important, and Bible reading and prayer were an important part of her daily routine.

She was an amazing seamstress, making clothing for herself and Nancy. She also made draperies for many people and her church. Later, Margie started quilting and made beautiful quilts, wall hangings, and table runners. Her first quilt won a ribbon at the Minnesota State Fair.

She also enjoyed scrapbooking and has left her family with many beautifully done albums chronicling her and her family’s life.

Margie was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; parents, Rueben and Ruth Diers; grandparents, Albert and Linda Diers, and Charlie and Elizabeth Davis; and son-in-law Paul Spehar.

She is survived by her daughter, Nancy (Gary) Sobas of Mora; grandchildren Katie McGarrity (Sean) of Minnetonka, Jennie Forrestal (Adam) of Duluth, and Brian (Sarah) Sobas of Shenzhen, China; great-grandchildren, Logan, Elisha and Emma Grace; brother Harlan Diers; sister-in-law Elaine Chouinard; and nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

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