Racine- Edward A. Lema, Sr., 66, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, November 25, 2007, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. At his bedside, was his wife Julie and three children. His last breath was taken on the final day of deer hunting season and as his favorite clock chimed. A lifetime resident, Eddie was born in Racine on September 28, 1941 to Julius Lema and LaVerne (nee: Debauche) Nowak. He graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in 1959. Eddie proudly served our Country with the US Army from 1959-1962. Eddie was in Germany when the Berlin Wall was being built. This is one reason he had such a strong love for this great Country we live in. Eddie enjoyed military history and had a deep respect for our Armed Services. On February 5, 1994, Eddie was united in marriage with Julie Larsen (nee:Sylvester). Together they lived a full and happy life despite his cancer and challenges. Previously, he was married to MaryAnn Roberts, the mother of his three children. In 1971, Eddie started his own business in his home garage, Eddie’s Glass Service, and successfully relocated the business to Lathrop Ave., retiring in 1997. He was the founder of the Wisconsin Glass Dealers Association and provided many years of leadership and service to his community. He loved to hunt, fish, golf, play cribbage and sip a brandy with his many friends and family. Prior to his death, many of Eddie’s dreams were fulfilled due to the generosity of family members and friends. Surviving are his mother, LaVerne Nowak; wife, Julie Lema, both of Racine; daughter, Audra (Kevin) Thompson of Madison; sons, Edward Lema, Jr. of Racine; Rev. Michael (Lynn) Lema of Seymour; and Karl Sylvester of Racine; grandchildren, Hailey, Allison and Lauren Thompson; Matthew, Mitchell and Weston Lema; Alyssa and Andrew Sylvester; brother, Robert (Terry) Lema; sister, Judy (Dick) Pirk; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Betty and Chris Larsen; brothers-in-law, Randy Larsen, Terry (Kay) Larsen and Duwayne (Ann) Larsen; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends too numerous to mention by name. Eddie was preceded in death by his father, Julius. In accordance with Eddie’s wishes, cremation will take place. A memorial service celebrating his life, including military honors, will be held in the funeral home, 4600 County Line Rd., on Saturday, December 8, 2007 at 12:00 noon. Visitation will be from 11 am- 12 noon. Immediately following the services at the funeral home, a luncheon will be served at Calvary Baptist Church, 9122 Durand Ave., in Sturtevant. Come and share some great Eddie Lema stories. In memory of Eddie, and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the family for a memorial that will be established at a later date. A heartfelt note of thanks to Vitas Hospice, Dr. Yee Chung Cheng and the staff at the Zablocki VA Hospital for the compassionate end-of-life care that was so warmly extended. Also, our sincere gratitude to Eddie’s many wonderful friends and family members for your frequent visits, thoughts and prayers. Your gifts of friendship throughout the years means more than words can express.
Barbara Walterman says
Although I knew Mr. Lema to be
gravely ill, I still felt shocked
when I read of his passing.
Eddie Lema was always very kind
to me. I know his family, and
all who met him will miss him.
One measure of a man is his relationship with his family, and
another the quality of his friendships. Observing both,
he earned my respect and admiration.