RITA LEMKE

It is with profound happiness in our hearts to announce the passing of Rita (Pomrening) Blank Lemke age 95 passed away on February 27th, 2026. She is in HEAVEN and we rejoice!

She was born July 30th, 1930, in the town of New London to the late Melvina and Edward Pomrening. The family moved to Neenah in 1943. Rita graduated from Neenah High School in 1948. She married James T Blank on October 28th year, 1950. They were blessed with seven wonderful children. The marriage ended in 1973. Rita later married Vernon Lemke in 1976. Rita worked at Neenah Printing Company for 21 years, being a supervisor in the binder department, and later worked with her husband when they opened The Greenville Liquidator until they retired in 2007. Vernon and Rita enjoyed many trips together seeing God’s Creation! Rita’s greatest joy was spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved to walk, visit and go out to lunch with family and friends. She was an avid fan of the Green Packers, especially during the Bret Favre era. She was a very devout member of Saint Margaret Mary Parish. Serving on the Funeral Committee, faithfully committed to her hour in the Adoration Chapel.

Before entering into the VNA, she was always baking cookies to share with friends/family, she was a giver of gifts. Whenever you came to visit Mom at the VNA she was always PRAYING her rosary. Prayed constantly for a Happy Death and looked forward to eternal life with Jesus! We have had many memorable times with Mom wether it be selling FireWorks at the Liquidator or at their home, Holiday dinner’s, drives around the city looking at all the beautiful Christmas lights, and recently all the fun and amazing activities offered to her at the VNA. We can still hear her say “BINGO”! With a huge smile on her face. Whenever our visit was done, and we would say our goodbyes, “I Love You Mom” she always replied, “I Love You More” She truly did!

All her siblings, brother in-laws, and sister in- laws proceeded her in death, she deeply missed her parents and siblings and talked about them often with a gentle heart.

With great sadness, Rita’s husband Vernon proceeded her in death, September 11th, 2019, along with her daughter Christine April 11th, 2017, grandson Brad November 2021and her daughter PJ, October 12th, 2022, she is survived by her daughters Deborah (Tom) Kolasinski, Vicky Johnson, Teena (John) Keesler, two sons, James Blank, Rodney (Nancy) Blank. Ten grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

The Mass of Resurrection will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, March 6, 2026, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 620 Division St., Neenah, with Fr. Nonito Barra officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00AM until the hour of Mass. In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established for the Human Concerns Committee of St. Margaret Mary.

Mom it’s your time to rest in peace and love with our Savior and all your loved ones that have gone before you. We take comfort in knowing that you are finally HOME! Forever in our hearts you will remain! We love you Mom!

We have been very blessed by the Staff at the VNA! You all are AMAZING and DEEPLY CARE about each individual. To say Thank You is simply not enough! We appreciate everyone that came and visited our Mom, she loved seeing you, as well as Muffy laying on her lap each week!

Thanks for being such a blessing to us and our Mom.

When we see you again Mom, we will say" I love you Mom” and you will say “I love you more”! When we meet again in our Father's home.