Ronald D. Lemme

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College of DuPage

Ronald Lemme Obituary

Ronald D. Lemme, 65, of Glen Ellyn, passed away December 5, 2008 in Chicago. Ronald was born June 30, 1943 in Bloomington- Normal, IL. He is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Barbara; loving children Matthew Thomas Lemme (Kimberly) of Denver, CO, Michael Perry Lemme (Anne) of San Francisco, CA and Rebecca Kristen Lemme of Chicago; dear grandfather of 3, Stefan Lemme, Parker Lemme and Lillian Lemme. Ron received his B.S., M.B.A., and EdD. He began his career in education at West Leyden High School in Northlake, where he taught business classes and coached football and wrestling. He became a founding faculty member in the business department at College of DuPage, teaching business, management and marketing classes. After a couple of years, he moved into an administrative position, soon becoming Administrative Assistant to President Rodney Berg, and then Vice-President under Presidents Harold McAninch and Michael Murphy. After 32 years of service, he retired from the College in 2000 as Vice- President of Planning, Information and Advancement. He remained actively involved with COD, serving as President of the College of DuPage Annuitants Association and representing all retired staff on the state level as board director of SUAA Legislative Action. Ron was a Rotarian for many years, first in the Wheaton club, where he served in a variety of capacities including club president, and more recently in Glen Ellyn. Both clubs honored him as Rotarian of the Year in Wheaton in 2005, and in Glen Ellyn in 2008. He was also an active supporter of the Humanitarian Service Project, the Heart Association, and other charitable causes. He lived the Rotary motto "Service above Self". Ron treasured his community and currently volunteered his service as a Commissioner on the Plan Commission in the Village of Glen Ellyn. He and his wife shared a love of antiques, and he was an avid decoy collector. They established their own antiques business. Liberty Tree, as well as being part owners of Sign of the Whale Antiques in Glen Ellyn. He was a member and on the board of the Chicago Suburban Antiques Dealers Association. Ron was first and foremost a family man. He enjoyed traveling, hiking, gardening and especially cycling. In addition to his wife, children, and grand- children, he is survived by his sister Sue Ann of Southport, NC, his mother-in-law, June Hansen of Wheaton, and his sister-in-law Judy Enos, also of Wheaton. Ron would have appreciated contributions to The Rotary Foundation, the College of DuPage Foundation, or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (www.LLS.org). Funeral arrangements handled by the Leonard Memorial Home, (630) 469-0032.

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Published by Central DuPage News/Leader/Post/Press on Dec. 8, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Lemme

8 Entries

Mary Ann Stout

December 19, 2008

Barb,

I am so sorry to read of Ron's death. My thoughts are with you and your family. Please let me hear from you sometime.

Mary Ann Stout

Rich Cicciu

December 12, 2008

Barb,
How very, very sorry I am to see that Ron has passed. I can think back to so many times we had together, both before and after the two of you met. He always had a different way of saying things and acting. From the early sixties when we first met at U-High, to the times at ISU, to that wonderful 4th of July in Northbrook, from the time of the birth of all of his children, I guess I could go on forever. The thing I will remember the most is that I shared a lot of good times with you and Ron and I will never forget him, because I was lucky enough to have called him a friend. Please call if there is a way I can be of help to you.

PATRICK SCHAUER

December 8, 2008

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

Mark Malbrough

December 8, 2008

I'm tremendously sorry for your loss. Ron was a very nice and gracious person and having having met others members of the Lemme family, it is easy to see that his personality spread through the rest of the family. My thoughts and hopes are with you.

Kim Wilson

December 8, 2008

I'm so grateful I got the chance to meet Ron. I could do nothing but smile each time we met and I'm so sorry about this great loss. Let me know if you need anything at all. You are in my thoughts.

Barbara Jo Mitchell

December 8, 2008

I am sorry for your loss. Ron was a good man and he kept us well entertained at COD with his great sense of humor and wit. He was a real joy to work with.

Mary Jane & Bill Thomas

December 7, 2008

Barb,

Our hearts go out to you and to your family for your great loss. Ron was a wonderful man and he will be missed. He did many good things for people who will always remember him. Our prayers are with you.

Love,

Doug and Lynn Eyles

December 7, 2008

We are so sorry that you lost Ron. It seems life is so short but he certainly fulfilled God's purposes for his life. Can't you just hear God saying "Well done, good and faithful servant"? May you find comfort in God's arms and strength and hope as you persevere in this sad sad time. With love and sympathy for your loss -- Lynn and Doug Eyles

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