Timothy Lee Lembke

Timothy Lee Lembke, 70, of Taylorville, Illinois, passed away on March 19, 2026, at Taylorville Care Center.

Tim was born on August 16, 1955, to William and Joyce Lembke. He married Becky Branson on September 6, 1997, in Carbondale, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Lembke; his mother, Joyce Lingard; and his stepmother, Esther Lembke.

He is survived by his wife, Becky; his sister, Bonnie (William) Schurr; his niece, Megan Waugh (Travis Crippen); his nephew, Nathan (Lauren) Waugh; his great-nieces and nephews: Taylor, Ryleigh, Ethan, and Connor; and great-great niece: Fearne.

After graduating from Elgin High School, Tim began his career in retail before attending Harper College, where he earned an associate degree in Plant and Soil Science. Following graduation, he oversaw the college’s greenhouse and later served as a manager for Spring-Green in Carbondale. He also worked on the grounds crew at Black Hawk College. In each role, Tim was valued for his leadership and his ability to implement practices that were safer, more effective, and financially responsible.

During this time, Tim also answered a call to ministry. He served as a supply pastor and later as a licensed local pastor in the United Methodist Church, serving congregations throughout the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. In addition to his own ministry, he faithfully partnered with his wife, Becky, in her ministry.

Tim was deeply committed to environmental conservation, animal welfare, and inclusivity for all people. He sought to live out his faith in practical ways that made a meaningful difference in the world. As a final expression of his values, he chose to donate his body to science.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 27, at Taylorville First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Brennan Hurley and Rev. Sheryl Van Dyke officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Live stream of the services is available here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88968387629

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to O’Fallon First UMC (504 E. Hwy 50, O’Fallon, IL 62269), with “Tim Lembke” noted in the memo. To donate online, please visit https://offumc.org/give; Select Fund: Memorial, Note: Tim Lembke. The memorial fund will be distributed to charities and causes that were dear to Tim’s heart.