Madeline M. Kapke

Madeline Lemmon Kapke, 73, of Fairbury died on March 18, 2020 at her home surrounded by loving family. She was born the 5th child to Orval and Beulah (Thornburg) Lemmon on October 12, 1946.

     Being raised in Fairbury, she attended East Ward school and Fairbury Jr/Sr High School. Madeline’s love of children started early in life, babysitting for the Sass family for many years. She was the Secretary and Librarian for Saint Michael’s Catholic School as well. The majority of her working life was spent at the First National Bank of Fairbury where she held many titles in her 35 years, retiring as Internal Auditor in 2014.

     She was united in marriage to Robert Kapke on December 10, 1983, and to this union were born two children, Paul Robert and Katherine Lemmon. Madeline loved being a mother, and to Paul and Kate she was the absolute best. She loved to take trips with them, especially to the Black Hills of South Dakota and even a trip to Hawaii in 2005.

     Madeline had many hobbies including counted cross stitch, gardening, bird watching and photography. The family home is filled with framed photos and picture albums that overflow the cabinets. She was also an excellent cook and we will never forget her lasagna and her fabulous cheese ball.

     She will be missed dearly by her loving family and friends. Madeline is survived by her husband, Robert; son, Paul Kapke of Omaha; daughter, Kate Kapke (Allan Hussmann) of Fairbury; sisters, Linda (Richard) English and Susan Lemmon both of Fairbury, Donna (Dan) Walenta of Frankfort, MI, Ardyth Orwen and Tamara Bulin both of Beatrice, NE, Connie (Dick) Priefert of Eagle, NE, and Evelyn (John) DaLao of Lincoln, NE; brother-in-law Lawrence Nutz of Fairmont, NE; 14 nieces and nephews and countless extended family members and friends.

     She is preceded in death by her parents, Orval and Beulah Lemmon; brothers Delbert Lemmon and Tim Lemmon; sister, Joyce Nutz; and brother-in-laws Vernon Eden and Mike Orwen.

     Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, a private family service will be held on Monday, March 23. A funeral mass for the public will be held at a later date. A memorial has been established to Madeline’s favorite charity, Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  www.gerdesmeyerfh.com