Esther Lembcke

Memorial services for Esther Lembcke of Morris, MN will be Friday, June 23, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Assumption Catholic Church in Morris, with Father Todd Schneider officiating.  Visitation will be Thursday, June 22, 2023 from 5 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 and Rosary to follow, at Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris.  Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Morris.

Esther Lydia Rinkenberger, daughter of Albert and Lydia (Hohulin) Rinkenberger, was born August 18, 1934 on a farm near Morris, Minnesota, where she grew up and attended country school through the eighth grade.  After completing country school, Esther lived with her sister Irene in Fairbury, IL during the school year and returned to the family farm during the summers.  Esther graduated from Fairbury High School, and was the first of her family to do so. She was united in marriage to Raymond (Pete) Lembcke on May 11, 1955 at Assumption Catholic Church in Morris.  The couple made their home on Pete’s family farm, where they took over operations and raised their seven children. Esther later helped her children with watching her grandchildren when needed.  In 2006, Esther and Pete moved to Morris.  Pete passed away June 29, 2015.  Esther continued to live in Morris until the time of her death.

Esther was a member of Assumption Catholic Church and Women’s Guild.  She enjoyed reading, crocheting, puzzles, playing cards, camping and traveling.  Esther and Pete went on several bus tours over the years.  Esther was an excellent cook and loved to bake.  Most of all, Esther cherished the time spent with her family.

Esther died peacefully on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the West Wind Village in Morris.  She was 88 years old.

She is survived by seven children: Duane (Ann) Lembcke of St. Cloud, Ed (Sue) Lembcke of Morris, Barb (Jon) Boutain of Starbuck, Jean (Merle) Spohr of Hancock, Nancy (Pat) White of Morris, Fred Lembcke of Glenwood and Janet (Steve) Davidson of St. Cloud; 19 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren and one on the way; one brother: Joe (Harriet) Rinkenberger of Morris; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband: Raymond (Pete) Lembcke; her parents; three brothers: Francis, Marlyn and Art Rinkenberger and three sisters: Bernice Ashbaugh, Irene Lavalliere and Laverna Lesmeister.