Marlene Mary Lemken Obituary
McGilley & Frye Funeral Home & Cremation ServiceMarlene Lemken was born November 24, 1931, in Kansas City, MO, and peacefully departed this world on November 11, 2023. She was the daughter of Henry James Hoffman and Mary Edna Hoffman (Sullivan) and a proud alumna of St. Theresa's Academy in Kansas City.
Marlene was united in holy matrimony with the love of her life, Richard H. Lemken Sr, on November 10, 1956. Together, they created a life filled with love, laughter, and a deep commitment to family. Richard preceded her in death on July 1, 2016, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of enduring love. Marlene is also preceded in death by her son Daniel "Danny" Lemken who passed away on January 31, 2020 and her sister Jean Hoffman.
Marlene was a devoted mother to her six children: Cynthia Blackburn (John) of Spring Hill, KS; Pamela Silvius (Steve) of Osawatomie, KS; Timothy Lemken of Spring Hill, KS; Richard Lemken of Spring Hill, KS and Lisa VanVleet of Olathe, KS.
Marlene's love and care extended to the next generations, she is survived by her six grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought joy and laughter into her life. Her two brothers, Bill Hoffman of Fort Meyers, FL. and Jim Hoffman of Dallas TX, also survive her.
In addition to Marlene's remarkable life journey, it is important to highlight the extraordinary love and devotion she and Richard showered upon their son, Danny. Born with Down syndrome and multiple handicaps, Danny became the heartbeat of their family, and their world revolved around him.
Marlene and Richard's unwavering commitment to Danny show cased the depth of their love and the strength of their family bonds. Despite the challenges that came with raising a child with special needs, they embraced every moment with him, celebrating his milestones and cherishing the unique joy he brought into their lives and those around him.
The holidays held a special place in Marlene's heart, and she made it a point to create magical and memorable celebrations for her family. One of the most cherished chapters of Marlene and Richard's life was the time they spent traveling in their RV, exploring the beauty of the world around them. What made these journeys truly extraordinary was the inclusion of Danny, who, despite his challenges, became an integral part of their adventures. Marlene's ability to find joy in the simple pleasures of life, coupled with Richard's unwavering support, made each trip a testament to the strength of their love and the resilience of togetherness, love, and acceptance, exemplifying the beauty that comes from embracing life in all its forms. The lessons of compassion, resilience, and joy that Marlene imparted continue to echo through the generations.
Graveside service 11:00 a.m. Wednesday morning, November 15, 2023 in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens 13901 S. Black Bob Rd, Olathe, KS. The Rosary will be prayed starting at 10:30 a.m. prior to the graveside service, Additionally, a Requiem Mass will take place at 1pm Christ the King, 8510 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64114.
Loving husband of 60 years (deceased).
Daniel (Danny) LemkenLoving Son (deceased), Cynthia BlackburnDaughter.
John BlackburnSon-in-law, Pamela SilviusDaughter.
Steve SilviusSon-in-law, Timothy LemkenSon, Richard H. Lemken Jr. Son, Lisa Van VleetDaughter, Aimee Murad (Chris) Granddaughter, Jessica Villmer (Justin) Granddaughter, J.R. Blackburn (Amanda) Grandson, Andrew BlackburnGrandson, Kaitlin VanVleetGranddaughter, Dallas VanVleetGranddaughter, Shayna VanVleetGranddaughter (deceased).
Jean HoffmanSister (deceased).
Bill HoffmanBrother.
Jim HoffmanBrother, PALLBEARERS, John BlackburnPallbearer, J.R. BlackburnPallbearer, Andrew BlackburnPallbearer, Zaine MuradPallbearer, Ambrose MuradPallbearer, Blaize MuradPallbearer, Past ServicesWednesday, November 15, 2023Pray the RosaryWednesday, November 15, 2023Graveside Service×In Memory Of Marlene Mary Lemken.
