It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother and grandmother Colleen Renee Shafer Lembke, 68, on August 21, 2024 at UNMC in Omaha, Nebraska.
Colleen was born on July 26, 1956 in Grand Island to Kenneth and Jeannine Kamper Shafer. She grew up in North Platte and graduated from North Platte High School in 1974. Colleen met the love of her life David Lembke and they were united in marriage on June 21, 1975. To this union their children Jessica, Jeremiah, Jami and Emily were born. They made their home in North Platte and enjoyed the next 49 years together making beautiful memories.
Colleen was employed by the Lincoln County Attorney’s Office as a Child Support Enforcement Case Worker and was recently recognized for 35 years of service. She enjoyed her job and helping others. Colleen was a member of the Nebraska Child Support Enforcement Association holding the title of State President for two terms. She was also a member of the Foster Care Review Board for the past 20 plus years.
Colleen was very involved in her children and grandchildren’s lives. Throughout the years she was President of the PTA and enjoyed helping out as a Room Mother. She was a Blue Bird and Campfire Leader. She was a member of AYSO Soccer League and held the title of President. She coached several soccer teams and was always volunteering. She was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and held several titles during the past 25 years.
Colleen spent her free time sewing, quilting and enjoying her grandkids various activities while cheering them on. She was an avid Kansas City Chiefs and Nebraska Cornhusker fan. She loved taking trips with the family and making memories with all of us. She enjoyed visiting with friends and family whether it be over a good cup of coffee or a nice glass of wine. Her grandchildren always loved drinking “coffee klatch’ (German for coffee with gossip) with grandma on the back patio. She was definitely the driving force in her family and made sure we were all together for Christmas as that was her favorite holiday and she enjoyed decorating her house from top to bottom.
Colleen is preceded in death by her parents; in-laws James and Dorothy (Menke) Lembke; brother Steven Shafer; brother-in-law Robert Lembke.
Those left to cherish Colleen’s memory are her loving husband Dave; son Jeremiah (Kari) Lembke of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; daughters Jessica Pankonin and Jami (Eric) Stueben of Grand Island and Emily Lembke of North Platte; brother Ken Shafer of North Platte; sister Ellen Shafer (Neil Speer) of North Platte; grandchildren David Lembke, Gavin Stueben, Jaelyn (Kenneth) Narvaez, Dakota and Kalli Pankonin of Grand Island, Kiah Lembke of North Platte and Madalyn Pankonin of Chandler, Arizona; Ellis Lembke of Highlands Ranch, Colorado and various nieces and nephews.
Colleen was an amazing, beautiful soul and always there when needed offering support, wisdom, strength, courage and love. She cherished each and every one of her family members and friends especially her grandchildren. She had a heart of gold and left a lasting impact on everyone she touched.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the family as they will be making a contribution to the Critical Care Team at UNMC in memory of Colleen.
She will be forever missed. Until we meet again, we “Love you bunches!”
Services will be held 10:30 A.M., Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Reverend Daniel Ramsey officiating. Visitation will be held noon-7:00, with family present 5:00-7:00, Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.