Ralph Lemme

Rev. Ralph D. Lemme, 81, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015, in Las Vegas, from injuries received in a motor vehicle accident. He was born Nov. 20, 1934, in Cozad, Neb., to David E. and Anita J. (nee Benson) Lemme. Ralph resided in Las Vegas for 24 years. He graduated from Sacramento St. College June 8, 1956. He attended San Francisco Theological Seminary and was ordained to the ministry June 26, 1960 and admitted Master of Divinity May 25, 1985. Ralph married Patricia Rose Nielson, the daughter of Berger M. S. Nielson and Rose Amelia Palmer, June 21, 1953. He served as pastor to congregations of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in Spalding, Neb., Wood River, Neb., Tekamah, Neb., and Mesa, Ariz. prior to serving as organizing pastor of the Mountain View Presbyterian Church in Las Vegas. He had been a member of the Lions' Club, active in Boy Scouts of America, Rotary International and had served as a hospital chaplain and as a due process hearing officer. He enjoyed camping, gardening and woodworking. He retired as pastor emeritus in 1996. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Raymond, Daniel and Floyd; and daughter, Mary. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; son, David R. Lemme DO, of Oak Harbor, Wash.; daughter, Susan P. Rodgers of Medimont, Idaho; son, Thomas P. Lemme of Mesa, Ariz.; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be at 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4601 W. Lake Mead Blvd. Please consider a donation to the Association of Retired Ministers, their spouses or survivors (www.armss.org) in lieu of flowers.

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