The son of Herman and Edith McMeekin Lemke, Leonard was born February 8, 1924, in Kellogg. He was raised in the Kellogg, Searsboro, Montezuma, and Grinnell areas and received his education in rural schools near his home. He was married to Nancy E. Belcher December 31, 1943, in Montezuma and the couple made their home in Grinnell. He was a veteran of the United States Army and had served in France and Germany. Upon discharge, he returned to Grinnell and was a business owner operator which included the Monroe Hotel, City Cab and Greyhound Bus Line Station. He later became a truck driver and enjoyed this career until his retirement in 1981. He was a former scout master of troop #313. Survivors include four children, Leonard Jr. 'Sonny' Lemke, Larry Lemke, Lynn Phanhamath, and Laraine Lemke, all of Grinnell; five brothers, Donald, Walter and Ralph, all of Grinnell; Calvin of Winchester, Virginia and Marvin Lemke of Rolla, Missouri; two sisters, Dorothy Haines and Hazel Darnell, both of Grinnell; nine grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; two brothers; and one great-granddaughter.