Dr. Roger Roy Lembke, 85, of Fayette, MO, passed away peacefully at The Lodge in Fayette on August 24, 2025.

Roger was born April 24, 1940, in Elkader, IA, the son of the late Roy and Hattie (Glawe) Lembke. He was one of two children. He attended a one-room schoolhouse for his elementary years and then graduated with the Class of 1958 from Elkader High School in Elkader, IA.  Following high school, Roger began what would become a long and accomplished academic career. He earned his undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Chemistry from Luther College in Decorah, IA; an M.S. in Chemistry from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln; and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Wayne State University, Detroit, MI.  While at Wayne State University, Roger was a National Science Foundation Faculty Fellow.

On July 5, 1969, Roger married Linda Oestreicher in Webster Groves, MO.  Together they shared more than 50 years of love, companionship, and mutual respect.  Linda, also a professor at CMU, was a steadfast partner in both his personal and professional life.

Dr. Lembke joined Central Methodist University in 1976, where he taught chemistry and served as Chair of the Science Division.  His expertise, passion for teaching, and commitment to students made him a respected and valued member of the faculty. In 1983, recognizing the growing importance of computer science, Roger attended a summer program at the University of Evansville in Indiana, earning a Master of Science in Computer Science Education.  He then spearheaded the development of CMU’s Computer Science Program. In 1999, he was named Vice President of Information Services, a role he held until 2001. During his final four years at CMU, he returned to teaching chemistry courses.  After nearly 30 years of dedicated service, he retired in 2005 and was honored with the title of Professor Emeritus. His legacy of scholarship, leadership, and mentorship continues to inspire colleagues and former students.

Roger was also deeply involved in the Fayette community.  He was a longtime, active member of the Fayette Rotary Club, serving as president in the past and as the club’s executive secretary and webmaster at the time of his death.  He was a devoted member of Linn Memorial United Methodist Church. He was on the Howard County Water Board for several years.  He used his computer expertise to assist the Fayette Public Library when it first transitioned to computers, volunteered with youth baseball, and gave generously of his time and talents.  Roger also enjoyed spending time with his family, tending his yard and garden, and playing tennis and golf.  He and Linda loved traveling and were fortunate to explore many countries as well as most of the fifty states together.  They also enjoyed cheering their sons and grandchildren in sporting and musical events.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Lembke of Fayette, MO; four sons, Alan (Lora) Glenn of Elkader, IA, Dale Glenn of Rockwell, IA, Todd (Alida) Glenn of Lutz, FL, and Eric (Brandy) Lembke of Fayette, MO; seven grandchildren, Josh Lembke, Kristy Glenn, James (May) Glenn, Alyssa Glenn, Nicholas Lembke, Dillan Lembke, and Leah Lembke; two great-grandchildren, Hanalei and Katana; and his sister, Linda (Sam) Houk of Urbana, IL. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Mark Lembke.

Visitation will be held from 5:00–7:00 p.m., Friday, August 29, 2025, at Friemonth-Freese Funeral Home in Fayette. A funeral service celebrating Dr. Lembke’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Linn Memorial United Methodist Church in Fayette, with Rev. Bill O’Neal officiating. Burial will follow at Walnut Ridge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Roger Lembke CMU Award or Linn Memorial United Methodist Church, c/o Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 174 Hwy. 5 & 240 N., Fayette, MO 65248.