Robert “Bob” Allan Lemme

90, of Phoenix, Arizona, peacefully passed away on February 28, 2023.

Bob was born on February 7, 1933, to Walter and Louise Lemme in Bloomington, Illinois, and was preceded in death by his two siblings: Gloria Lenahan and Lyle Lemme.

Bob, also known as “Papa”, is survived by his wife of 64 years, Alma “Sandy” Lawless; his three children, Dianne Bookhamer, Robert Patrick Lemme and David Lemme; his four grandchildren, Taylor Lemme, Brant Bookhamer, Bryce Bookhamer and Rachel Lemme; and his only great-grandchild, Mila Welling, daughter of Taylor Lemme.

Bob was a veteran of the Korean War, assigned to the 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red) in Wurzburg, Germany. After his honorable discharge, Bob worked for 42 years at State Farm Insurance moving from Bloomington, Illinois to Lincoln, Nebraska, then to Greely, Colorado and finally Tempe, Arizona. At the time of his retirement, he was the Commercial Property and Casualty Superintendent.

Bob’s greatest joy came from his family. He loved to be surrounded by his children and grandchildren. As an avid Arizona State University (ASU) Sun Devil fan (having ASU football season tickets for 45 years), many happy family memories were created tailgating before the games. There were also many trips to the beaches of San Diego, California, to celebrate the Fourth of July (a Lemme family holiday) or just to escape the heat of Arizona and to be able to spend more time with his children and grandchildren.

Bob did everything with honesty and integrity, his Catholic faith being an intricate part of his life. Bob was an active member of the Knights of Columbus while in Illinois and with St. Vincent de Paul at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Phoenix, Arizona.

Bob will be greatly missed by his family and large group of friends.

A funeral mass will be held at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church at 3550 E Knox Road, Phoenix, Arizona, 85044, on March 16, 2023 at 10:00 am with a reception to follow.