In Memory of

Helmut

Lemke

Obituary for Helmut Lemke

Mr. Helmut Lemke was called home to the loving arms of his Lord and Savior at Red Deer, Alberta on Monday, January 11, 2021 at the age of 97 years. Helmut was born on December 20, 1923 in Warsaw, Poland, to Carl and Amelia Lemke. In 1926, he immigrated to Canada with his family, as a three year old boy, first settling in the Nisku area. In 1930, the family moved to the Craig District, west of Markerville; where Helmut grew up, attended school and worked on the family farm. In May 1948, he married the love of his life, Irene Plitt. For the next twenty-seven years, they worked the farm together and raised their family of three girls. The Lemke family were founding members of Christ Lutheran Church in the Craig District. Helmut and Irene remained strong in their faith, as members of the church and active pillars of the community. Helmut and Irene retired from farming and moved to Red Deer, in 1975. He thoroughly enjoyed the next twenty five years; as he continued to work in the Agriculture Business, as a Claims Adjuster for Alberta Hail and Crop Insurance. During this time, he travelled all areas of Alberta and received many achievement awards. The remaining working years of his life were spent as Manager of the Southwood Park apartment complex in Red Deer. He loved to go curling, hunting, fishing, camping and taking adventurous quad trips in the West Country. Travelling to British Columbia in the summer to pick cherries was a highlight every year. Later in years, he and Irene became snowbirds; travelling with their motorhome to join other snowbirds in Yuma, Arizona, to enjoy the warm weather. Helmut will always be remembered as a very social outgoing man who loved to visit, often sharing and telling stories that some heard over and over again. He was always willing to lend a hand, never backed away from a tough job, was modest in nature, and left a legacy for his family to be proud of. Helmut will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Linda (James) Hartrick of Leduc, Alberta and Theresa (Jack) Westera of Red Deer, Alberta; his eight grandchildren and his twelve great grandchildren. He will also be sadly missed by his sister, Leona Philips of Red Deer and numerous nieces and nephews. Helmut was predeceased by his wife, Irene, a daughter, Judy Zaback, his brothers, Waldemar Lemke and Alfred Lemke and a sister, Elsie Pohl. He will be dearly missed by all his family and many friends. Heaven now has one more angel. A Private Family Funeral Service will be held. The Funeral Service will be live streamed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Please visit Helmut’s page for details. If desired, Memorial Donations in Helmut’s honor may be made directly to the Mount Calvary Renovation Fund, 18 Selkirk Blvd, Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 0G2. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.