Marlyn Lempka was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and passed at the age of 84 on Aug. 20, 2024, in Salem, Oregon ,after a long battle with blood cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
In his youth, Marlyn worked hard on his family farm and other large hay farms in the Midwest. At 19, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy for a four-year hitch. After his stint, he married Sharon and helped to raise their daughters Michelle, Doreen, and April until they divorced in 1980.
He worked for over 33 years at Rohr Inc., an aircraft manufacturer in Chula Vista, California, where he met his future wife and happily retired young in 1998. Those lucky enough to work with Marlyn knew he was a good production scheduler, the best machine shop manager to work for, and an all-around great guy.
In 2005 Marlyn moved to Seattle, Washington, to be closer to his longtime sweetheart Kathleen. A few years later he convinced her that after 15 years it really was time they became Mr. and Mrs. Lempka! In 2010, they relocated to Hemet, California, to be closer to all family and lived there for 10 years. Their last move was to Salem where they enjoyed living a quiet but fun life amongst good friends in a great senior community.
For the last 30 years and after Marlyn decided his Harley-riding days were over, he enjoyed numerous airline trips, traveling thousands of miles with Kathleen and their pups by car and motorhome, and spending as much time as possible at the ocean up and down the West Coast. He was grateful we had captured many photos so he could enjoy reliving each adventure. He looked forward to the occasional family visits, definitely liked watching any and all sports, chatting with the guys, barbecuing, and eating good foods.
All who knew Marlyn will tell you he was a kind man, and one of his daughters lovingly adds that he was a great Dad, a wonderful man, honest to a fault, and she could always count on him for help.
Marlyn’s passing left behind a deep sadness for his wife, sisters, daughters, children-by-marriage, grandchildren, extended family members, many friends past and present, and his beloved pups Toby and Grace. Kathleen will always be grateful for the wonderful hospice family at Willamette Vital Health in Salem who provided compassionate support. Donations honoring Marlyn can be made to this nonprofit hospice.
Marlyn was proceeded in death by his parents, Joseph and Fern, his brother Joe, Nephew Keith, and very special people: Father-in-law Gene, Son-in-law Jim, and Stepson Tim.
As Marlyn requested, there will be an informal gathering to honor and release him on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2 p.m. at the ocean end of the pier in Imperial Beach, California. Everyone will be welcome to share blessings and stories of this kind and loving man who no longer walks amongst us.
–Submitted information
