Robert Lemke

March 28, 1948 – March 17, 2023 Robert (Bob) D. Lemke passed peacefully in his sleep into the arms of Jesus. In recent years, Bob experienced weakened heart issues. The family is grateful for his peaceful transition. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he will be dearly missed.

Bob was the youngest of nine children born to Henry and Pauline (Heupel) Lemke in Yakima, Washington. Bob had eight siblings: two brothers, Jim Lemke (deceased) and David Lemke (deceased), and six sisters; preceded in death by sisters Leona Cole, Elsie Walker, and Edna Lowe, and their parents, Henry and Pauline. He is survived by three sisters, Violet Landsiedel, Pearl Winstead, and Judy Meabon, as well as numerous nephews and nieces who will miss their ‘fun uncle’ whom they so enjoyed.

At the age of 20, Bob married his lifelong love and wife of 54 years, Cheryl (Maier) Lemke, on August 24, 1968. They became parents to two sons, Brian (Dayna) Lemke and Jeff (Vickie) Lemke, both of Oklahoma. Bob and Cheryl gained two daughters through marriage, four granddaughters (Katie, Tiffany, Kali, and Avery), five great-grandsons (Greyson, Hudson, Weston, Nolan, and Gardner) with a sixth great-grandson’s birth imminent. Bob loved and cared deeply for his family for whom he was a dedicated provider, fatherly presence, and model of steady family values and strong work ethic. In their empty-nester years, Truffles and Licorice, beloved pups for the past 13 and 12 years respectively, have filled space in their hearts and home. For years, Bob welcomed in their home with genuine hospitality a church home group, developing long and steadfast relationships.

As a teenager fresh out of high school, Bob worked stocking shelves for a local grocery store. Newly married, he drove short haul transport for Ray’s Meats. He then moved on to work for Weyerhaeuser until asthma prevented him from continuing. Singer Sewing Machine was Bob’s next adventure as a mechanic and delivery person for many years. His longest employment ended at Coca Cola working for Bob Dolsen, Bill Dolsen, and presently Adam Dolsen. Bob was a vital part of Coke’s mechanic’s department for forty-three years. He was loved and appreciated at every place he worked; evidenced especially at his January 2023 retirement from Coke.

A lifetime Yakima native, Bob was well-known, loved, and respected by many friends and family members. Bob had a great sense of humor with a quick wit, ready smile, and familiar laugh. His yard was a beautiful testament to his care for living nature; he loved the color orange, while red and black Coke décor was notably on display. Solitude and quiet thought were traits that caused him to enjoy driving. He loved road trips, the change of scenery therapeutic and pleasant to him. Bob and Cheryl especially relished their getaways to the Oregon coast. His promotion leaves a space for many only he could fill.

Keith & Keith Funeral Home is caring for the family. Interment will be at Tahoma Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com for the Lemke family.