Arthur "Artie" Lemke

Age 88 of Coal City, Illinois, formerly of Chicago, Illinois, was called home on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at his home in Coal City.

Born July 29, 1935 in Chicago, Arthur Amos was a son of Leo and Venita (Monzel) Lemke. He was raised and educated in Chicago, and gained employment with Ahern Sign Company with whom he worked for over 40 years until he retired in 1996. While with Ahern, he was a part of installing the Gemini Giant at the Launching Pad in Wilmington, Illinois, something he was very proud of. Artie was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers' Local Union #73 out of Hillside, Illinois, and he was quite the jack of all trades.

He spent his winters in Arkansas, but always came north for the warm weather at the Huntley Lake Association in Antioch for over 60 years. Artie was truly at peace there, being one of the original members and President of the association, and was instrumental in building the lake cottages there. He would often hunt and fish Huntley Lake, and took great pleasure being out on his fishing boat passing on his knowledge to his children and later his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Artie was an affable man who was beloved by many friends, but no one felt his love stronger than his family. He was a proud dad and grandpa who treasured any moment he could spend with his family. Artie was a good, kind man who leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love and devotion to family and friends.

Survivors include his children: Nancy Guzman of Texas, Cindy Vasiliades of Joliet, Illinois, Karen (Larry) Calderon of Coal City, Dawn (Jerry) Judd of New Zealand, and Denise (James) Ratliff of Tennessee; 16 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren; two brothers: William and Leo Lemke; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Artie was preceded in death by his parents; two sons: Kenneth and Artie Lemke; one great granddaughter, Delilah, and two siblings: Raymond (Grace) Lemke and Pat (Jimmy) Murphy.

Per his wishes, cremation rites are being accorded and a celebration of life is being planned for a later date.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Artie's memorial page via social media.

Cremation service and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Coal City (815) 634-2125.