Dorothy P. Lemke

Dorothy Pearl Lemke, 89 of Moorhead, MN, surrounded by her loved ones, began her next journey on Wednesday, January 22, 2014.

She was born July 14, 1924 in Moorhead to Edward F. and Edna C. Melsness McGough. Dorothy was a lifelong resident of Moorhead where she graduated from Moorhead High School in 1942. She married Loren Lemke on December 2, 1944. Together they owned and operated Lemke’s Chicken Inn and other food related businesses in the area. She worked at the Red Owl Store, S&L department store and served as head cook with the Moorhead School District for 25 years before retiring at the age of 75. Dorothy was a lifelong member of St. Francis de Sales Church in Moorhead and the Catholic Daughters of America.

Dorothy was an avid seamstress, enjoyed ceramics, bowling, the Twins and all things Elvis. Dorothy was first and foremost a caretaker whose greatest enjoyment in life was spending time with her family.

She is survived by her children, Laurel James Sauvageau of Dilworth, MN, Stevan Sonia Lemke, Pamela David Leiseth, and Gregory Mark Youngblood Lemke all of Moorhead; grandchildren, Lara Sauvageau, Josh Jessica Sauvageau, Lacey Adam Krebsbach, Lisa Burgard Billy Wischnak, Jill Lemke Matt Upton, Jessi MelissaYborra, Adam Yborra Mara Wack, Seth and Shane Lemke, and Ashley Chris Young; great-grandchildren, Hailey, Jackson and Alexander Shlaffer, Taylor Lemke, Kasey Okstad, Chase Burgard, Maggie Yborra; and several grand dogs. Dorothy is also survived by sisters, Carol Bob Swenson, Susan Hanson; brother, James McGough; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; son, Larry Lemke; three brothers and four sisters.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at River Pointe as well as Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 26th, from 5 to 7 p.m., with a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, January 27th, at 11 a.m. at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Moorhead.

Interment will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Moorhead.

Memorials may be sent to Hospice of the Red River Valley.