Marlis Lemke
With sad hearts, our family wishes to announce that Marlis Lemke, our Mom, Oma, Uroma, and beloved wife of Dieter passed away on Sunday morning, September 14, 2025, at the age of 81.
Born April 16, 1944, Marlis was raised in a loving home by Gustav and Lina Semler, along with her two brothers Gerry (who passed away earlier this year) and Kurt. The family emigrated from postwar Germany to Canada in 1957.
The Semler family joined a thriving German church community at Immanuel Baptist Church in Edmonton. Marlis committed her life to Jesus at age 10, and at age 14 promised to follow His lead into an astonishingly full and adventurous life. She met and married the love of her life, medical student Dieter Lemke in Edmonton, starting their nearly 63 years of married life on October 6, 1962.
With three sons (Markus, Thomas, and Robert) Marlis and Dieter went as NAB missionaries to Cameroon, West Africa in 1967, working at Mbingo and Banso Baptist Hospitals. Sons Bernard and Russel were born in Cameroon.
Marlis had a legendary gift for hospitality. People of all colours, faiths, creeds, and opinions were always welcomed into their home. Her faith was a steadfast knowledge that she was always in the palm of God’s hand, trusting Him to lead, delight, comfort, and protect her in all circumstances.
That faith carried her through her last days, as cancer took her from us. She is survived by husband Dieter, sons Markus (Shauna), Thomas (Lois), Robert (Yulia), Bernard (Tracy), and Russel (Lisa), along with 10 grandkids and eight great-grandkids – as well as a host of friends around the world who knew and loved Marlis.
Special thanks to Russ and Lisa’s family who were there for her everyday, and especially to granddaughter Kailey, who’s experience as a palliative care nurse early in her career helped Oma daily and immeasurably right to the end. We also wish to express our gratitude to Sheena and the whole team from Home Instead for their generous support.
A public memorial for Marlis will take place for those wishing to pay tribute and support her family.
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 1:30pm
Location: Sturgeon Valley Baptist Church (51 Woodlands Road, St. Albert, AB T8N 3Y5)