Lonna Mae Lemke

Lonna Mae Lemke, 86, of Moorhead, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, October 28th, 2021, surrounded by her loving family at Sanford Hospice House in Fargo, ND.

Lonna was born in Montpelier, North Dakota, on August 3, 1935, to Evelyn (Naze) and Siver Hanson. Lonna and her family moved to Huron, SD, where she attended school from the age of 5 years old. During high school she was involved in several activities. Lonna was crowned Homecoming Queen, and participated with the Debate Team, Student Council, Girls State cheerleading, Mixed Chorus, Girls Glee Club and many more. Lonna graduated from Huron High School in 1953.

She attended Huron College for two years. Lonna and Dale met in high school, Lonna married Dale Robert Lemke June 2, 1956, at First Presbyterian Church, in Huron, SD.

Lonna and Dale moved many times throughout their years together and when they lived in Minneapolis, MN she was employed by Toro Manufacturing. While living in Columbia, MO Lonna worked at the VA Hospital as a medical secretary. Finally in 1978 Lonna and Dale moved to Fargo, ND where she continued her work for the VA Hospital until retirement. Lonna’s smile and laugh were cherished by her co-workers, and she was loved by all.

Dale and Lonna retired to Rush Lake, MN for 10 years. They spent their time slowing down and enjoying life by making the most of their life on the lake. Grandpa Dale and Grandma Lonna loved having their grandchildren visit them. They could always be counted on for some fishing adventures and some games of 9-hole golf with her grandkids. Grandma always made the best molasses cookies, hamburger gravy and pot roast for her family. Lonna was a kind and loving soul who went out of her way to make others feel special and loved. She had a stubborn determination to make you feel special and loved. Lonna was ever the social butterfly and was right at home visiting with her friends and neighbors.

In 2001 Dale and Lonna moved to Moorhead, MN. Lonna always put the needs of others – her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends and neighbors – before hers. Dale and Lonna took many trips to the casino and often times her grandkids would bring her and her cousin Marlys to the casino for a day of fun and laughter. With her grandkids and great grandkids close by she was always there for anything they needed. She was an animal lover and always had a dog to love.

After Dale’s passing in 2015, Lonna moved to an independent living facility in Moorhead, MN. She loved playing bingo, cards and visiting with all her new friends. Lonna was always there for a good time and lots of fun, especially if it included any of her singing stuffed animals. Lonna absolutely loved her home where she was able to spend time with all her friends she made over the years and create wonderful new memories. Lonna’s door could always be counted on to be decorated special for whatever holiday was around the corner.

Lonna will be missed by all who loved her. Her constant comedy will be missed by many as she always left you with a smile. We would like to thank the Sanford Hospice House for the wonderful care of Lonna.

Lonna is survived by Daughter, Jolene Heising (Dave Lawrenz), Moorhead, MN; son, Scott (Liz) Lemke, Ogden, UT; brother, Burlyn Hanson, Huron, SD; brother, James Hanson, Littleton, CO; grandchildren, Jamie Heising, Moorhead, MN, Joshua Heising, Dilworth, MN, Jessie (Nicholas) Pestel, Moorhead, MN, Clarissa (Kolby) Clarke, Cedar City, UT, Adriana Lemke, Salt Lake City, UT, Kylee (Jake) Johnson, American Fork, UT, Shaleene (Chaz) Palkki, Ogden, UT; great-grandchildren, Aleena Heising, Oliver and Sophia, Moorhead, MN, Thomas and Alice Clarke, Cedar City, UT. Lonna is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who loved her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Lemke; parents, Evelyn and Lindy Lindberg, Siver and Ella Hanson; sister-in-law, Michelina Hanson; sister-in-law, and brother-in-law, Lois and Kenneth Monson; brother-in-law, Wayne Lemke; niece, Karen Monson; and nephew, Kevin Hanson.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, November 4, 2021, at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Moorhead, MN. Memorial Service will be held Friday, November 5, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior to the service at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Moorhead, MN. A livestream of the service will be available on Lonna’s webpage at www.wrightfuneral.com where a guestbook and video tribute may also be found.