Chance Lemke, 16, of Grinnell died on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

His family will receive friends at the visitation held from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Friday, December 19, 2025 at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell. A private family service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to his family (please make checks payable to his mother, Veronica Wilson) and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Condolences may be shared with his family online at www.smithfh.com.

Chance Owen Lemke was born the son of Nicholas James Lemke and Veronica Lea (Manatt) Lemke. He grew up in Grinnell and was a junior at Grinnell High School.

Chance worked a couple summers at the Comeback Café in Grinnell and most recently part-time at Kum & Go, now Maverick convenience store near Interstate 80. He attended Sunday School at the Malcom Presbyterian Church.

Those who knew Chance will remember him as loving and soft-hearted, with a strong will and a playful, talkative spirit. He gave the best hugs, carried a sweet nature, and had a touch of ornery charm that made him unforgettable. His grin and laughter could make anyone's day. His dog, Fenway, held a special place in his heart, and he cherished time spent deer hunting with his grandpa Ron and Greg Thompson, gaming, and being surrounded by family.

Chance is survived by his mother and stepfather, Veronica and Kyle Wilson of Grinnell; his brother, Chase Lemke of Grinnell; his maternal grandparents, Ron and Patty Manatt of Malcom; his paternal grandmother, Louise Lippman of Grinnell; his aunt, Crystal (Tyler) Rausch of Newton; Dean and Robin Wilson of Stoddard, Wisconsin and extended family; along with many other aunts, uncles, cousins, adopted family and his close friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Nick in 2012; his paternal grandmother, Tammy Lemke; and his maternal great-grandmother, Laurma Manatt, who he had a special bond with.