Martha was born on June 28, 1937 in Beloit and was raised by her grandparents, Paul and Martha (Gubatitus) Palubinski. She graduated from Beloit Catholic High School. After her education she worked at a Dime Store and as a secretary for a loan company. She married Donald O. Lekie in Maryland on September 15, 1955. After Donald’s service, they moved to Medford, where she worked alongside Donald as a secretary and bookkeeper for their whitewashing business. She was also the Deer Creek Fire Warden for many years and volunteered as a poll worker.
In her spare time Martha was an award winning baker and cook and enjoyed creating birthday cakes for her children. She also enjoyed canning, was a veracious reader, crossword puzzles, winning Jeopardy at home, spending time with her grandchildren and husband at Hultman Lake. She also raised ducks and collected duck memorabilia. She enjoyed traveling with Donald, especially to Country Fest and Canterbury Racetrack to watch horse racing.
Martha was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her children, Ronald (Kris) Lekie of Owen, Timothy (Leeanne) Steckhan of Portland, OR, Daniel (Colleen) Lekie of Plymouth, Steven Lekie of Medford, and Kathryn (Paul) Ustianowski of Medford; 13 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren.
Martha is preceded in death by her husband, Donald; parents; infant son, Jeffery; grandson, Travis; brother-in-law Jack Oleson.
A private family service will take place and a Celebration of Life will be held at BS Bar on Friday, August 21, 2020 from 4:30 PM until 7:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Martha’s name may be made to the Frances L. Simek Memorial Library, for children’s books.
Hemer
Funeral Home of Medford and Rib Lake have been entrusted with arrangements.
Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com
