Elton F. Lembke, 95, of Griswold, IA died Sunday morning, November 7, 2010 at the Griswold Care Center in Griswold.

Elton Francis Lembke was born in Pottawattamie County, rural Griswold on July 1, 1915, the son of Francis Joseph and Susie Fern (Freeman) Lembke. He attended Alexander School #4 in Waveland Twp. and graduated from Griswold High School in 1932 and then assisted with the operation of the family farm.

Elton entered the U.S. Army in November of 1942, and following his basic training was sent to the European Theatre during WW II. He was engaged in battles in Sicily, Normandy, France, Ardennes, Rhineland, Central Europe and the Battle of the Bulge. He received his Honorable Discharge in November 1945 at the rank of Sergeant.

Returning home, he farmed and on December 6, 1946 was married to Phyllis Lorrain Woods at Hiawatha, KS. To this union three children were born – Ralph Joseph, Cheryl Jolene and Douglas Elton. They farmed and eventually purchased the family farm. Phyllis died April 1, 2005 and Elton continued to live on the farm until his declining health required him to go to the Griswold Care Center in March of 2008.

Elton was a member of the Central Church of Christ in Griswold, and served as a deacon, elder, Sunday school teacher, on the building committee and was president of the church board for 27 years. He also had served on the board of Deaf Missions in Council Bluffs and was a member of Griswold American Legion Post #508.

Survivors include his sons: R. J. (Janie) Lembke of Newport News, VA; and Doug (Denise) Lembke of Griswold; and his son-in-law Larry Laas of Salina, KS; his grandchildren: Aaron Laas, Joel Laas, Timothy Lembke, Julienne Seggelick, Eric Lembke, Andrew Lembke, Megan Lembke and his triplet grandsons – Seth, Micah and Garrett Lembke; and his 8 great grandchildren. Also surviving are his brother Marion Lembke of Essex, IA, and his sisters Gale Edwards of Kerman, CA; and Belma Dorsheimer and Velma Powers of Griswold as well as many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Elton in death were his parents, his wife of 58 years, his daughter Cheryl Laas on May 26, 1999, his brother Dale Lembke and his sisters Thelma (in infancy), Muriel Hooker, Lorraine Edwards and Guinevere Hemphill.

Funeral services will be held at the Central Church of Christ in Griswold at 1:30 PM, Thursday November 11, 2010, Mike Fabian officiating. Burial will be in the Center Ridge Cemetery north of Red Oak. Open visitation will be at the Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold and the family will be present from 6:30 to 7:30 Wednesday evening.