Sonje Mae Lemke

With heavy hearts and deep appreciation for a life well lived, we announce the peaceful passing of Sonje Mae Lemke (nee Johnson) on April 11, 2025 at the age of 83 after a short but courageous battle with cancer. She was a force of nature - a woman who embraced every moment with energy, humor and a spunk that was unmatched. Born in Appleton Wisconsin, Sonje was a woman of many talents and passions. In her younger years, she was a gifted dancer – even instructing Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rocky Bleier at one point, an acrobatics instructor and a Barbershop Quartet singer. She loved the spotlight whether she was tap dancing her way across the stage or singing baritone with her Misty Misses Quartet.

Her adventurous spirit didn’t stop at the stage. Sonje was also a Wisconsin State Amateur Archery Champion - even making her own bowstrings, arrows and fletchings. She was a skilled hunter and rode her own motorcycle with a fearless confidence that matched her personality. She loved people and was always ready for her next adventure. She enjoyed camping at Mark Twain Lake, fishing for Walleyes, Perch, Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike in Wisconsin and Canada, serving as part of a hot air balloon chase crew at the Albuquerque Balloon Festival and enjoying nature (especially walking in crunchy, new fallen snow).

Perhaps what most people will remember her for was her remarkable ability to connect with others. Her wit and silly antics made her the life of any gathering, and her jokes could lighten even the heaviest of hearts. Sonje’s sense of humor and vibrant spirit left an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Even in her struggle with the aggressive cancer, she was a witness to others with her positive attitude and unwavering faith, knowing that she was finally going to meet her savior and be able to worship Him without end.

She is preceded in death by her parents Thorsten (Toto) and Harriet Johnson (Melhinch) and her brothers Hugo and Yvan Johnson.

She is survived by her husband of more than 56 years, Leonard Lemke, son Dean (Stacey), son Keith and daughter, Gretchen (Lenny) Ulanoski. She leaves behind her sister Thyra Munroe (Johnson), her brother Edward Johnson, grandchildren Carson, Bella, Alex, and Nick as well as a community of friends and loved ones including her First Baptist Church family, whose lives were enriched by her smile, energy, and unyielding zest for life.

A visitation will be held on April 25th, 2025 from 3-5pm at First Baptist Church of St. Charles (2701 Muegge Rd.) followed immediately by a Celebration of Life memorial service starting shortly after 5pm. All who knew Sonje are invited to join us to share in remembering the woman whose passion, humor, and adventurous spirit touched everyone she met.

In lieu of flowers and in keeping with her love of nature, please consider donating toward a fund that the family will use to purchase memorial trees in Sonje’s honor. Donations for the fund may be sent to the Venmo account of Sonje's daughter, Gretchen Ulanoski: @Gretchen-Ulanoski (Code 4293).