Bradley Lemke

Bradley Lemke, 71, of Niagara, was called to his gracious Lord's open arms on Wednesday, July 16, after a short courageous battle with cancer. Brad was born on October 16, 1942, in Milwaukee, WI to John and Leora (Reinke) Lemke. After graduating from Central High School in West Allis, WI, Brad enlisted in the United States Army. He married the love of his life Pauline "Sunshine" Umlauft in West Allis, WI on October 6, 1962. During their time in the Milwaukee area, Brad had been a mechanic, a manager of two fueling stations as well as a factory worker. Brad found an adventure of the open road, driving long haul for Smeester Bros. He was known by his fellow truckers as "Shadow". Brad continued his trucking experience with US Special Delivery. Brad was a youngster when he felt a calling to his Lord. At the young age of 52, Brad followed that calling and entered the Lay Ministry Program. As he was one of the youngest to enter this program, it took Brad a little longer to complete and achieve that Deacon Certification. Brad was a member and called servant of the Lord as a Deacon at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Kingsford, MI. He was overjoyed when he was able to baptize his only grandson. Brad is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Pauline "Sunshine"; children, Todd (Jill) Lemke of Kingsford, Lisa (Jim) Reed of Randville; grandchildren, Kirstina Lemke, Jennifer Wilson, Heather Erickson, Keylyn and Alexander Reed; great grand daugher, Ellie Bera; sister, Melodie (Stan) Wacker of Reno, Nevada; a brohter in law, Dennis Rozell of Milwaukee and several nieces and nephews. Brad was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother in law, Rochelle and Herman Winkelmann and his sister in law Beverly Winker. A celebration of his life will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church on Monday, July 21, 2014. Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00am on Monday at Our Redeemer Lutheran with the funeral services to follow at 11:00am at the church. Burial will be in the Niagara Cemetery. Pallbearers will be, Joe Haring, Gary Johnson, Karl Seaholm, Mike Lequia, Shad Brown and Bud Spencer.

Bradley Lemke

October 16, 1942 - July 16, 2014