NORMAN HENRY LEHRKE SR.

Norman Henry Lehrke Sr., age 81, formerly of Glenbeulah, passed away early Tuesday evening, Jan. 26, 2010, at Sunnyridge Nursing Home in Sheboygan where he had resided for the past five months.

He was born on Sept. 29, 1928, in Chilton, Wis., a son of the late Ernest and Matilda Wagner Lehrke.

On June 3, 1946, he married Ellen Leona Vogel in Iowa. The couple resided in rural Glenbeulah for the past 50 years. Ellen preceded him in death on Feb. 12, 2009.

He was a member of Salem United Church of Christ in Plymouth.

Norman was employed as a machinist for Kohler General in Sheboygan Falls, retiring in 1993.

He enjoyed deer hunting, camping, fishing, especially sturgeon fishing and fishing trips to Lake Winnibigoshish, Minn., and spending time with his family.

He is survived by three children, Norman E. Lehrke Jr. (wife Janet) of Newton, Wis., David (Marge) Lehrke of Glenbeulah, and Jim (Linda) Lehrke of Sheboygan; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Pearl Kienbaum of Kiel, Wis., Gladys Nenning of Manitowoc, Wis., Carol Jean Gierke of Kiel and Ruthie (Fritz) Holschbach of Sheboygan Falls; seven brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Mabel Lenz, Vernon (Agnes) Vogel, Don (Elaine) Vogel, Alvira (Clarence) Richter, Judy (Keith) Hassinger, Rose Vogel and Loretta Vogel.

Also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by one granddaughter.

Funeral services were held Friday evening, Jan. 29, at Salem United Church of Christ in Plymouth. The Rev. James Hoppert, pastor of the church, officiated. Entombment took place at the Garden of Peace Mausoleum at Greenlawn Cemetery in the town of Sheboygan.

A memorial fund has been established in Norman’s name.

The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Plymouth is serving his family. For online condolences, visit www.suchonfh.com.

A special thanks to Sunny Ridge for their care of Norman, especially Lisa, Pat and Mary, and also Rev. Hoppert of Salem United Church of Christ.