Bill was born in Grinnell on November 14,1939 to Donald Lemke and Bertha (Belcher) Lemke. He was raised and educated in Grinnell and Searsboro, respectively. He served in the US Air Force for 22 years before retiring. After retiring, he and Karen moved to Arizona, where they resided at the time of his death. There will be a Celebration of Life on May 4th from 2-4 pm in the Buckley Dining Hall at the Mayflower Community in Grinnell. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. He is survived by his wife Karen, brother, Donald of Crowley, Texas; three children, Penny, Stacy, Billy; two step-children, Charles Lester (Donna), Pat Kramer (Amy); and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Albert, Earl, Gerald (Gary).