Brenda L. Lemke, age 60 of Melrose, passed away peacefully with her husband by her side on Thursday, January 28, 2026 at the Cura Care Center in Melrose, Minnesota.
A Celebration of Life was held Monday, February 2, 2026 at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Entombment followed at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, Minnesota.
Brenda Lee Richter was born November 22, 1965 in St. Cloud, Minnesota to Gustov and Louella (Frieler) Richter. She grew up on a farm south of Albany and later earned her GED after leaving school early due to a pregnancy; the child was lovingly placed for adoption. Brenda was united in marriage to William “Bill” Lemke on April 11, 1987 at Munsinger Gardens in St. Cloud. Throughout her life, Brenda held various jobs, working for ServiceMaster cleaning commercial businesses and private residences. Brenda took great pride in being a wife and mother and did everything she could to give her children a better life than the one she had growing up. She was a member of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany and found comfort and community in her faith.
Survivors include her husband, William “Bill” Lemke of Melrose; sons, William “Willy” (Brittney) Lemke of Avon, Jacob Lemke of Melrose, and John (fiancé, Ava Todosciuk) Lemke of Manton, Michigan; daughter; and one grandchild on the way.
Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Gustov and Louella Richter; grandson, Liam Lemke; and in-laws, Jerome and Lucy Lemke.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Melrose.
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