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Obituary

Cynthia Lee Lemke

September 17, 2024 | 8 comments

With a mixture of love and reflection, we announce the passing of Cynthia Lee Lemke on September 13, 2024. Born on January 31st, 1971 in Stevens Point, WI, she was a woman defined by her independence, unyielding spirit, and fierce determination, carving out a path of her own wherever she went.

 

Our relationship with her was layered, often difficult, yet undeniably formative. In her own way, she showed us how to navigate the world with resilience. We choose to remember her for the strength she carried, the passion with which she lived, the jokes she shared, and the lessons we learned from both her presence and her absence. While there were many complexities between us, the love she held was always there. She had a unique spirit, and will be remembered by all who knew her.

 

At times the roles between us were shifted, and we often found ourselves caring for her, bound not by a perfect understanding, but by the ties that life had woven. In her final days, as written in *My Baby You’ll Always Be,* “I held her hand, just as she had once held mine. In that moment, roles reversed, but the love remained constant.” Hers is not a story of things coming full circle, but one of acceptance, grace, and the transcendence of love, finding a way to offer care even where wounds had been left behind.

 

Her passing on Friday the 13th, a day steeped in the divine feminine, reminds us of the cycle of death and rebirth—a reminder that even in endings, there is space for transformation. On this day, we honor her journey—both the beautiful and the difficult—and the ways in which she contributed to our lives. Her life, though complex, is part of the tapestry that forms who we are today. We acknowledge the intricacies of our connection and carry forward the best parts of her spirit; honoring her in a way that reflects the truth of our relationship: by carrying forward her strength, and finding our own healing in the process.

 

She is now at peace, having found her resting place, reunited with Howard Lemke, held once again by her parents, Lorraine and Paul Theisen. In quiet moments, she is with her dear friend Cheryl, and finds comfort in the presence of her grand-fur baby, Luna. While her journey was often solitary, her story remains part of ours, and in that, we honor the pieces of her that endure.

 

She is survived by her children, EmmaLee Lemke & Zachary Trzebiatowski, her step-children, Sonja & Nathan Kuring, her grandchildren & step-grandchildren, Soraya, Jolie, Floyd, Quinn, and Violet, her biological father Frank Trzebiatowski, and siblings, Geralyn Brown, Rebecca (Mike) Fabyan, Elizabeth (Jason) O’kon, Terrance Trzebiatowski, her step-siblings Kathi, Paul, Chuck, Karla and their respective families, and her significant other Peter. Her memory remains with those who knew her, for all that she was.

 

In honor of Cindi’s life, the family has chosen not to hold a formal service at this time. For those who wish to honor her memory, we ask that donations or flowers be sent to St. Clare Health Mission—a place that held deep meaning to Cindi, and is a group of individuals who reflect her spirit of compassion. The family extends their profound gratitude to Barb, a devoted community health worker, and to all who walked alongside Cindi throughout her journey.

Special thanks to the staff at Mayo Clinic Hospital, who came to know Cindi well and treated her with unwavering compassion and dignity. Deep appreciation is also extended to Coulee Region Cremation Group for their delicate care and to the Weiser family for their remarkable generosity. Lastly, to the many strangers with giving hearts, who offered their help without knowing the impact they made—your quiet kindnesses are forever a part of her story. Each of you has woven a thread of love into Cindi’s legacy.

Condolences

8 Comments

  1. Jean

    Emmalee and Soraya,So sorry for your loss.May the good memories help you through this difficult time

    Reply
  2. Ann Beechler

    What a beautiful obituary. Holding her memory with honor. May she be truly resting.

    Reply
  3. June Hart Wilson

    Cindi was more than a friend to me. Even though I only knew her for 4 short years she was like a mother to me in a lot of ways. She showed me how to survive when I became homeless. She was always there with advice and caring when I needed someone to talk to. She will be missed. I loved her more than she ever knew.

    Reply
  4. Jana Boland-Windbiel

    To the family & loved ones of my dear friend Cindi.
    The loss of Cindi is one of deep sadness for me and my family. When i lost my husband 4 years ago she was the very first person i told and i almost fell to my knees but she held me up and said how sorry she is that he passed and she said she was here for me and she would hold me up as long as i needed her to. And she did. From that day forward i knew there was something really special about Cindi. Her loyalty stood ground like no one i know. When she said ” I got you” she meant it! My oldest granddaughter Jessie and i rode the bus alot and cindi did too and whenever we would see Jessie,Cindi would dig around in her bags for a toy or candy or something. She said Jessie could make her smile on her toughest days.
    Im glad i got to be just a little part of a life of someone others had forgotten.
    Cindi was my friend and i will miss her eternally. Rest in peace now Mama! I got you!

    Reply
  5. Sunshine Weaver

    You will be missed beloved sister and friend…

    Reply
  6. Robert wilson

    Cousin no matter what you’ll always be my best cousin. That night you pass away when I was there in the hospital was really hard for me to see you going, every day is really hard cause I just would like to say is that I’ll be putting a thing for you down at riverside hopping soon. So, everyone please keep an eye on Facebook thanks.
    Once again, every day is going to be really hard for me.

    Reply
  7. Savannah Suhr

    Rest easy cindi ❤️ my prayers, love & condolences! I will never forget her vibrant soul! I wish you all peace & healing during this time ❤️

    Reply
  8. Carly Stein

    Love u Cindy from me and Steve rest in peace baby girl <3 for ever

    Reply

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