Lemke Rolls to Bowling Greatness

MILWAUKEE - Feb. 28, 2020 - PRLog -- Carole Lemke who bowled her way to greatness passed away last month will be remembered as one of the most accomplished women bowlers of all time in the state of Wisconsin.

Carole won many titles over her career including six state team event championships as a member of Pinky's, Strachota's and Nino's teams in the WWBA tournament in 1963, 1967, 1968, 1970, 1972 and 1986. Carole and partner Val Costa won the state doubles in 1969 and again in 1974 with Jackie Rector. In 1972 she won the state singles and collected one of her record three state all events titles in 1962, 1970 and 1972. Bowling for over 50 years Carole won four Milwaukee team titles in 1958, 1963, 1968 and 1973; the Milwaukee doubles twice and took home several Wisconsin State Match titles sponsored by the Milwaukee Journal including the 1970 singles, doubles with Vicki Vukovich in 1974 and all events in 1981. She also won three 700 club championships and was the Wisconsin Women's Non-Pro Tournament Champion in 1970.

Carole Lemke was a regular on the popular Bowling with the Champs television show winning in 1977 and shooting a 717 series, her career high on the show in 1983. "I was host of the Bowling with the Champs show for 30 years. Carole Lemke was among the top two or three female bowlers. She won the championship and qualified to be on the show several other times." said Hank Stoddard who was also the Sports Director and Anchor at WTMJ 4 in Milwaukee.

In 1970 Carole was named by the Milwaukee Journal as Wisconsin Women Bowler of the Year and was named a member of the Wisconsin women's "Bowling Team of the Decade" from 1970-1980. She had a career high average of 198 and high game of 298. She was inducted into the Milwaukee Women's Bowling Hall of Fame in 1977 and the Wisconsin State Bowling Hall of Fame in 1992.

Carole relocated to Southwest Florida back in the late 80's and continued to bowl and win many titles in the state of Florida as well. She was a Florida Bowling queens Champion in 1991. Over the many years of her bowling career she was able to overcome many heath related issues with her strong faith and support of family and close friends. "She accomplished more in a short period of time than anyone given the circumstances. My mother was very strong and resilient and known for her class and grace in bowling competition for over 50 years," said Jon Lemke her son. "But was also one of the most gracious, genuine and nice people anyone could know."