Lester Carl Lemke Jr.

Lester C. Lemke Jr.

February 19, 1939 – April 13, 2025

Lester C. Lemke Jr., lovingly known as “Les” and affectionately called “Pops” by his grandchildren, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025, at the age of 86.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Lester C. Lemke Sr. and Katherine Halliday Lemke, Les was their only child and grew up in Bay Village. He attended Bay High School, where he served as student council president, played varsity football and basketball, ran hurdles on the track team, and was a member of the National Honor Society. Even as a young boy, Les demonstrated an exceptional work ethic and sharp intellect—once building a stone wall in the front yard with his father, foreshadowing a lifelong career in engineering.

Les met Lindsay Claire Stidger in the fifth grade, and the two eventually became sweethearts. Their story led to marriage on June 24, 1962, and a life filled with shared dreams and adventure. Before they wed, Les pursued his goal of attending the U.S. Naval Academy with a senatorial appointment from Ohio. Though a vision issue ultimately prevented him from becoming a pilot, he transferred to the University of Michigan, where he earned a degree in Physics.

Shortly after their wedding, Les and Claire moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico, where he worked at the national lab. He later completed a master’s degree in Physics and Mathematics from Columbia University in New York, where their first son, Mark Lindsay, was born.

The family later settled in San Diego, California, where daughter Katherine Jean and son Michael Les were born. Les began a long and distinguished career in aerospace engineering with General Dynamics, where he proudly contributed to the development of the landing radar used in the first moon landing. He later held leadership positions at Teledyne Ryan and became President of Teledyne Stillman in Tennessee. After returning to San Diego, he served as President of Teledyne Micronetics, continuing his legacy of innovation and leadership.

Brilliant and endlessly curious, Les had a passion for solving problems—whether engineering systems for aerospace, building treehouses for his grandsons, or taking on weekend projects around the house. He was also known for his humor and light-hearted spirit. A true jokester with a twinkle in his eye, Les delighted in bringing laughter into the lives of those around him.

Les loved dogs, boating, and travel. When his children were young, he spent countless weekends on his power boat, teaching them how to water ski and fish—memories that remain vivid and cherished. Later, he traded the power boat for a sailboat, where he found tranquility on the open water.

On September 3, 2000, Les married Barbara Donovan. They shared 25 years of loving partnership, marked by adventure, companionship, and deep respect. Together, they traveled the world on cruises, competed in countless bridge tournaments—each earning the rank of Life Master—and shared their home with two beloved dogs: Larry, who often sailed with them, and later Sailor, a devoted companion on land.

Les was preceded in death by his sons, Mark and Michael. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Donovan Lemke, who lovingly cared for him; his daughter, Katherine Jean Franklin, and her husband, Scott Franklin; and his seven grandchildren—Garrett, Grant, and Walker Franklin, and Cameron, Shaye, Coleman, and Graydon Lemke—who adored their “Pops.”

He will be remembered for his brilliance, humor, curiosity, and the legacy of love and resilience he leaves behind in the hearts of his family.