Carl Lemkuil

Carl John Lemkuil died peacefully on August 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife Linda and children by his side.  He lived a full and happy life, 87 years filled with love, laughter, faith, family and plenty of “Tip Top” days.

Carl was born on November 1, 1938, in Oostburg, Wisconsin, to John and Laura Lemkuil. He was raised in Oostburg and proud of his strong Dutch heritage.  Carl’s great love of sports began at a young age as he played football, basketball, and baseball.  Carl graduated from Oostburg High School and went on to serve two years in the United States Navy.  Carl was proud to be a Veteran and was fortunate to participate in an Honor Flight alongside his fellow veterans on July 26, 2024. It was an experience he treasured.

Having built a long career in sales, Carl was a natural fit for someone who loved people and could strike up a conversation with anyone.  He was always quick with a joke or story and every person he met became a friend quickly.  Carl truly was someone everyone loved to be around, and he liked everyone he met.

On September 7, 1961, Carl met the love of his life, Linda Dunn, and often said from the moment he laid eyes on Linda, he knew she was the one.  They were married on August 25, 1962.  Together they raised four children, Dave, Dan, Cathy, and Tom, and later welcomed eight grandchildren, with their first great-grandchild on the way. Just three days before his passing, Carl and Linda celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary.

If you ever asked Carl how he was doing, there was only one answer: “Tip Top.” And he meant it. That was Carl: positive, grateful, and genuinely happy. He loved family and friends, a competitive game of cribbage, a trip to Culver's, and just about anything involving sports.  He especially loved watching his children and grandchildren compete and could often be found in the stands eating popcorn and cheering them on. He was also a longtime member of the Neenah Men’s Club, where he enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie of many through the years.

At the center of Carl's life was his faith. He served his churches as a deacon and elder, taught Sunday school, and later served as Sunday school superintendent. His faith showed in the way he lived, served, and treated others.

More than anything, Carl loved his family and he was incredibly proud of each of them.  Although he rooted for many teams, his family was his number one team.  He leaves behind a legacy of love for them as he was a beacon of how to live their lives with integrity, respect for others and a deep love of the Lord.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Linda; his children, Dave (Susan) Lemkuil, Dan (Wendy) Lemkuil, Cathy Lemkuil, and Tom (Melissa) Lemkuil; his grandchildren, Andrew (Devon) Lemkuil, Austin Lemkuil (Emily), Emily Lemkuil, Ali (Alex) Layton, Jack Lemkuil, Charlie (Joy) Lemkuil, Sydney Lemkuil, and Mia Lemkuil; and his sister-in-law, Joyce (Bob) Prill; and other beloved relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Laura Lemkuil, and his sister, Margie Lemmens.

Carl's family is grateful to Dr. Dan Lemkuil and Dr. Chris Wolfram for their wonderful care through the years, and to the Bellin team for their compassionate care and support over the past two weeks.  A deep gratitude is also extended to the many friends and family members who offered support and prayers during this difficult time.

For his family, a visit with Carl was never complete without his signature “Top Gun” goodbye, a swirl of the finger and a kick of the foot as they pulled away. It was Carl’s special send off and one his family will never forget. Heaven gained one of the best. Go Navy! Go Brewers! Go Pack Go!

Tip Top, Carl.

Please join us in celebrating Carl's life on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church in Neenah. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with the service to follow at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Carl’s name will be determined by the family.