Darrel Charles Lemke, Jr., age 77, of Stuart, VA passed away on January 9, 2025. Darrel was born in Menominee, WI on December 16, 1947, to the late Darrel Charles and Sarah Quilling Lemke. He is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis, stepdaughter Renee (Brian) Penix and grandson Maxwell of Franklin, TN; sister, Maxine Payne of Acton, MA; niece Kelly Smith of Colorado Springs, CO; and nephew Andy (Zsuzsanna) Payne of Las Vegas, NV.
Darrel graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Cross. He was stationed in Germany while serving in the US Army. He came to Patrick County, having admired its beauty, to become the first Director of Recreation for the county. In 2016 he retired from Mehler Engineered Products in Martinsville, VA where he was the Production Scheduler, dedicated to the company and its employees. Prior employment included Bengle Manufacturing, Ashmore Sportwear, and Sara Lee Knit Products.
Darrel married Phyllis in 1998 and became a beloved member of her family.
Darrel appreciated the grandeur of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the foothills of Patrick County, spending memorable hours hiking the area with friends. He and Phyllis also traveled with close friends creating lasting memories in places throughout the United States as well as Ireland and Iceland.
He cherished time in his tomato garden and was a trout fishing enthusiast seeking solace and peace while fishing at Rock Castle Gorge.
Darrel was respected and loved by many; his presence will be missed but remembered and treasured.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Stuart Presbyterian Church with Pastor Danny Redman officiating. A visitation will be one hour prior to the service. A reception in the church social hall will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Caring Hearts Free Clinic, 835 Woodland Drive, Suite 101, Stuart, Virginia 24171 or the Patrick County Food Bank, P.O. Box 1304, Stuart, Virginia 24171.
Moody Funeral Home in Stuart has been entrusted with the arrangements and online donations may be made by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.
