Gerald Lemke, 75, of North Utica passed away on Monday, January 6, 2014 at the Abraham House, Utica. Gerald was born in Utica on May 26, 1938, a son of Albert and Esther (Morgan) Lemke. He received his education in Utica and was a graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School. Gerald proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. At St. Joseph's Church , Utica on October 21, 1938 Gerald was united in marriage to Patricia E. Ellis. For many years until his retirement in 1994 he was employed with State of New York and after his retirement at the Stonebridge Golf Course Pro Shop. Gerald was a member of St. Joseph's & St. Patrick's Church, American Legion Post #229 and for 25 years served as a commissioner for the Utica District Softball Umpires Association. In his earlier years he coached softball at J.F.K. High School in Utica. Gerald was an avid New York Rangers fan. Gerald is survived by his beloved wife Patty, his three children, Michael Lemke and wife Tamy, VA, John Lemke, Utica and Geri Lemke, North Utica, five grandchildren, Lindsay, Alex, Morgan, Aidan and Lauren Lemke, a sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Robert Benedetti, NJ, a brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Patricia (Gianotti) Lemke, Whitesboro, in-laws, Joseph and Diane Ellis and Arthur and Phyllis Ellis and several nieces and nephews. Gerald was predeceased by his parents Esther and Albert Lemke and his mother and father-in-law, Arthur and Nellie Ellis. Mr. Lemke's funeral will be held on Friday, January 10, 2014 at 10:45 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., North Utica and at 11:30 from St. Joseph's & St. Patrick's Church, Utica. Burial will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery, Utica. Calling hours at the funeral home are Thursday from 5-8. Those so wishing may make donations to the Abraham House, Hospice & Palliative Care Inc. or the Mother Marianne West Side Soup Kitchen. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Bill Wrape, Artie Ellis, the John Owen family, Dr. Robert Chruscicki and Dr. Alicia DeTraglia for all the care and compassion shown to Gerald.