William Thomas Lenke

William (Bill) Lenke of Spokane Valley, Washington went home to his Heavenly Father on July 2, 2014. Bill was born October 16, 1929 in Spokane, Washington to Herman and Erni Lenke. Bill graduated from North Central High School in 1947. In 1956 he married Ruth A. Shearer and together they raised a daughter, Christine. In their early years of marriage Bill and Ruth operated Sutton Bay Resort at Newman Lake. Bill spent the majority of his working career with the telephone company, retiring after 38 years of service. During those early years and up until the time of his death he and his family spent quality time together enjoying both water and snow skiing, trailer camping, hunting, fishing and “the lake”! Along with his passion for all things “outdoors” an interest in music was close to his heart. He began playing his trumpet in grade school and continued playing through adulthood. Bill was very active in volunteering with the Telephone Pioneer’s and a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church. Bill loved his family and helping anyone he came in contact with.

He is survived by Ruth his wife of 58 years, daughter Christine and husband Jerry Timboe of Gig Harbor, WA and two grandchildren Ashley and Peter.

Valley, A memorial service will be held Saturday July 12, 2014 at 11:00 am at Zion Lutheran Church E. 8304 East Buckeye Spokane WA. 99212

If desired memorials in honor of Bill may be gifted to Zion Lutheran Church or Lutheran Campus Ministry at EWU 639 Elm St. Cheney, WA 99004.