Kaylene M. Lemke, age 78, of Union Hill, Minnesota, passed away surrounded by her family on September 5, 2026, at St. Gertrude’s and the Gardens in Shakopee. Kaylene Marie Pieper was born on April 12, 1948, in Shakopee, Minnesota, to John and Verena (Thomas) Pieper. She graduated from Our Lady of Good Counsel in Mankato. After graduation she attended Minnesota School of Business and earned an associate’s degree studying to be an administrative assistant. Kaylene worked for 26 years at the Carver County Courthouse in Chaska in the auditor’s office. Kaylene was united in marriage to Michael Jay Lemke on June 13, 1970, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Shakopee.
Beyond her deep devotion to her family, Kay found her greatest joy in the simple, beautiful details of everyday life. Her home was always filled with warmth, the inviting aroma of her home-cooked meals, and the vibrant colors of the gardens she so lovingly tended. An incredibly talented seamstress, she used her skills to care for those around her, frequently mending clothes, helping her children and grandchildren with household sewing projects, and crafting special handmade Christmas gifts for all of her grandchildren. Whether she was nurturing her flowers, working on a thoughtful project, or gathering everyone around the dinner table, her patience, care, and unconditional love made every family gathering feel like home.
Kaylene is survived by her children, John (Stacy) Lemke of Chaska, Donald (Deanna) Lemke of Shakopee, James Lemke of Shakopee, Krista (Cory) Heiderscheidt of Sleepy Eye, Timothy (Amy) Lemke of Union Hill, Maria (Josh) Friendshuh of Belle Plaine, David Lemke of Union Hill, Kevin (Laura) Lemke of Bayport, and Monica (Jacob) Sellner of Sleepy Eye; 25 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brothers, Ronald (Marylou) Pieper and Robert (Roxanne) Pieper; and additional Pieper and Thomas relatives.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael; and sister, Vicky (David) Pieper.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Kaylene will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 14, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church - Union Hill, 20087 Hub Drive, New Prague, Minnesota. The visitation will take place from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, at Bruzek Funeral Home, 610 E. Main St., New Prague, and will continue for one hour prior to the service at church on Monday, starting at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, New Prague.
Honorary pallbearers are her grandchildren, Marie, Wendy, Johnny, Mariah, Kaylee, Andrea, Cecelia, Genevieve, Ezra, Izik, Olivia, Gloria, Owen, Sylvia, Daren, Nathen, Victoria, Wyatt, Waylon, Lauren, Luke, Vera, Mikayla, George, and Juliana.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bruzekfuneralhome.com.