Jay Alan Lembke

Jay Alan Lembke passed away on December 18, 2025, at the age of 66, in his home in Chadron, Nebraska. He was born on November 2nd, 1959, to Wayne and Roberta Lembke. His family and friends remember him for his quiet strength and kindness.

Jay was a big man, but those fortunate to know him understood his physical size hid a soft soul. He was a man of few words but laughed freely at the simple things in life. Despite his size, or perhaps because of it, he always looked out for the “little guys,” especially while he was employed at the Chadron public schools. He looked out for all of the kids, especially at the athletic events. Jay also spent time working with his dad at Metal Products as a sheet metal worker.

He took great pride in spending his free time with the Chadron Elks, or with the Chadron Volunteer Fire Department, and by helping with their activities. He enjoyed lifelong friendships with the many members of these organizations. Jay was also a devoted fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, along with attending many Chadron High and Chadron State College athletic events.

He is survived by his mother, Roberta June Lembke, sister, Joy Brown (Hyannis), brother, Jed Lembke (Mandy). He loved and laughed with his niece Dana Brown (Portland, Oregon), and his nephews Kyle (Lissa) Brown (Columbia, South Carolina), Jared (Elizabeth) Lembke (North Dakota), a Jeffery Rhoads, and Logan Lembke (Rapid City, South Dakota). Plus, his great niece Cora Brown, great nephews Malachi Jackson, Alexander Brennen, Lucas Brown, Isiah Lembke and Mateo Lembke. His aunts and uncles Vi Lembke (Hemingford, Nebraska), Ann Lembke (Utah), Karen (Jerry) Calkins (Mulvane, Kansas), Roy (Lee) Lembke (Havre, Montana), and many more cousins.

Jay was preceded in death by his father Wayne Lembke, and his grandparents, Martha and Carl Lembke and Evelyn and Carl Samuelson, June Egly, along with Great Aunt Minnie Lichte. Aunts and uncles Glendoris (Ross) Rash, Carl(Ethel) Lembke, Myron Lembke, Bob Lembke, Kathleen (Kay) Lembke and Barbara and Ronnie Carlson. Cousins Julie Anderson, Steve Carlson.

A memorial service will be held on December 23, 2025, at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron, Nebraska at 10:00 AM. A memorial has been established for Chadron Intermediate School in Kenwood. A reception will follow the memorial service at the Country Kitchen.