Eleanora "Nora"LemkeDecember 9, 1918 - January 11, 2012
The death of Mrs. Eleanora "Nora" (nee Martinka) Lemke of Bethany Pioneer Village, Middle Lake, Sk, occurred at her residence on Wednesday, January 11, 2012. She was 93 years of age. Nora was born to George and Barbara (nee Baumann) Martinka at home on the farm west of St. Benedict. Her parents had emigrated from the United States to homestead near St. Benedict, where she grew up and attended Rock Valley School. She was only 18 when her mother passed away suddenly, placing much of the responsibility of running the house and looking after her siblings on her. Nora came from a musical family and played drums and alto horn with the rest of her family in her dad's band called the Maple Leaf Band. She also learned to play the accordion which she enjoyed immensely. Nora married William "Willie" Lemke on November 9, 1942, at the old St. Benedict Church and they began their life together on a farm nine miles east of Middle Lake, where they ran a mixed-farm operation and raised their family. Six children, four daughters and two sons were born to them; however, one daughter and one son died in infancy. Nora's interests along with helping to run the farm, included gardening, sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting and cooking and baking delicious meals for her family. Nora's devotion to her family always came first; but she was also involved with the CWL and singing in the church choir, the Slough Grass Singers and in later years the Maple Leaf Singers. In her leisure time, Nora and Willie took up square dancing and bowling and visiting with friends over "coffee row". As well she kept in constant touch with her family, always interested in what they and their families were doing. After 25 years of farming, the Lemke's moved to Humboldt and finally back to Middle Lake where they made their home at Bethany Birch Manor for many years. Nora's illness finally resulted in a move to Aspen Manor this past year. Nora will be lovingly remembered by four children and eight grandchildren: Marianne (Walter) Skoropad of Regina, Donna and David; Lillian (Marvin) Michel of Saskatoon, and Nancy; Carol (Ernest) Morris of Pierson, MB, Warren, Carla and Natasha; and Edward (Ellen) Lemke of Winnipeg, MB, Christopher and Susan; 18 great-grandchildren: Simon, Victoria, Abigail, Christopher and William; Megan and Lucas; Sarah, Britanny, Tory, Emily and Morgan; Whitney, John and Emma; and Jeremiah, Kloe and Corbin; two sisters: Lucille Baran of Humboldt, and Cecelia Seufert of Middle Lake; sister-in-law, Adina Lemke of Middle Lake; and by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Willie Lemke (June 12, 2009); daughter, Elaine Lemke (3 months); son, Ralph Lemke (1 day); parents, George and Barbara (nee Baumann) Martinka; four brothers: Gregor (1924), Harold (1943), Otto (1999), and Lawrence (2010); and by one sister, Catherine (1990). The Funeral Mass for Nora was offered at Canadian Martyrs R.C. Church, Middle Lake, on Saturday, January 14, 2012, at 11:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Joseph Thangaraj. Others taking part were: Kyle Wehage, cross bearer; Craig Martinka and Troy Martinka, altar servers; Barbara DeMong and Rudy Martinka, scripture readers; Priscilla Thibault, intentions; Nancy Fortier and Carla Shabaga, gift bearers; Colleen Martinka and Irene Richardson, memorial table attendants. Music ministry was provided by organist Jill Martinka, other members of the Martinka family, and the Canadian Martyrs R.C. Church Choir. Honorary pallbearers were "everyone who shared in Nora's life." Active pallbearers were Chris Lemke, Warren Bobinski, Lavern Martinka, Paul Fortier, Lucas Fortier, and Tory Shabaga. Interment followed at Canadian Martyrs R.C. Cemetery, Middle Lake. Memorial donations may be directed to either Bethany Pioneer Village or the Canadian Martyrs R.C. Cemetery Fund. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
