Venus C. Lemke

Venus C. Lemke, 62, of Waterloo, passed away surrounded by her loving family at St. Luke’s Hospital of Milwaukee.

Venus Cobacha was born on March 20, 1962, in Dulag, Leyte, Philippines, the daughter of Dioscoro and Lourdes (Mangantilao) Cobacha. She delighted in recounting childhood stories, sharing fond memories of growing up with her siblings in the Philippines.

Driven by the virtue for justice, Venus pursued a bachelor’s degree in political science, laying the foundation for her interest in law. In the 1980s, she immigrated to the United States, where fate intervened during a chance encounter in Washington DC. It was there, where she met David Lemke, the love of her life.

Venus and David married in an intimate courthouse ceremony on September 23, 1991. Their journey together led them to settle in Waterloo, WI, where they lovingly raised their four children.

Venus’ purpose in life was to be a mother and to nurture. She was strong-willed, fierce, loyal, and loving. She took immense pride in raising her children, ensuring that they were safe, fed, and loved. Over the years, she also cared for many other children, treating and loving them as her own.

During the spring and summer months, Venus could often be found working in her beloved garden, filled with plants gifted by friends that brought her immense joy to nurture. She and Dave cherished a dream of owning a camper for many years, and in 2022, they finally realized that dream. They loved spending time camping at Astico Park, walking the trails, and enjoying heartfelt conversations under the open sky.

Venus is survived by her loving and devoted husband Dave; loving children Heidi (TJ) Parent, Josh (Maricel) Lemke, Megan (Brian) Krieg, Steven (Kayla Grundy) Lemke; grandchildren Matteo and Lorenzo Parent; Mother-in-Law Ellen Lemke; siblings Marilyn C. Rosete, Salvacion C. Cañete, Crozaldy M. Cobacha, Christian Windyl M. Cobacha; special friends including the Spies Family, the Eggert family, the Coroneos family, and Michelle Theis and family. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Venus is preceded in death by her parents and brothers Jaime M. Cobacha and Ronilo M. Cobacha.

Venus will be remembered not only for her dedication to family but also for her infectious, beautiful smile and the warmth with which she shared her stories. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. Venus was treasured by all who knew her, and she will be profoundly missed. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Waterloo Police Department, Sun Prairie EMS, staff of Aurora Summit, Flight For Life, and to the caring team at Aurora St. Luke’s Hospital of Milwaukee, especially Dr. Raab, nurses Deb and Jessica, for the loving care provided to Venus.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the Holy Family Parish of Waterloo with Fr. Michael Johnson presiding. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of mass at the church.