Apr 09, 2021

Robert “Bob” Lembke (1939 - 2021)

Posted Apr 09, 2021 6:19 PM

A Celebration of Life for 82-year old Robert “Bob” Lembke will be held this summer on Friday, July 9, 2021, at the Open Door Church, south of Chadron, NE on Table Road.

In lieu of Flowers, cards and/or donations may be sent to the family at 151 Lembke Road, Hemingford, NE 69348. Memorials will be determined at a later date.

Robert (Bob) Lembke was born on January 23, 1939, to Carl and Martha (Lichte) Lembke and passed away at home on March 27, 2021 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s.

Bob was one of seven children raised on the family homestead near Dunlap, NE. 

He attended grade school at Cottonwood Creek, a one-room schoolhouse originally located on the ranch before eventually moving to Highway 385. He also attended Chadron Prep in Chadron. 

Bob married Violet Perkins, the love of his life, on February 27, 1960, and together they took over ranch responsibilities and continued farming and ranching for almost 60 year. 

In addition to running cattle, they operated a successful feedlot and trucking business. 

Bob was a lifetime rancher who could do just about anything and often did – always working hard providing the absolutely best loving, caring life for his family. 

Bob was in the Nebraska National Guard from 1958-1961, qualifying as a sharpshooter. He was also a long-time member of the Elk’s Lodge. 

Bob was a driving force and inspiration to his family and all who knew him. His family will always remember him for his strong work ethic, firm belief in self-reliance and personal responsibility. 

Friends and neighbors will fondly recall his stories of coyote hunting, card games at Dunlap, and his prank playing. 

Bob is survived by Violet, his wife of 61 years; their three daughters Nancy (Peter) Marino of Pampa, FL; Twila Leeling of Broadwater, NE; and Donna (Bryce) Dexter of Hemingford, NE. 

Grandchildren: Levi (Nicole) Leeling; RaShae (Josh) Walker; Taya (Thomas) Sterkel and Tanner Lembke as well as seven great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Carl, Wayne, and Myron; Sister Glendoris Rash and sisters-in-law Ethel and Kay Lembke. 

Thank you to all our family, friends, and caregivers who have supported us, loved us, and grieved with us at this difficult time.