Lillian Louise Dimke

Lillian Louise Dimke, 85, our beloved angel, passed away on Friday morning, March 9, 2012 at Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee. Lillian was born on April 5, 1926 in the town of Ludington, Wisconsin to the late George and Bertha (Knitter) Camastral. She was raised on the family farm and graduated from Augusta High School in 1944. She continued her education at Luther Hospital School of Nursing in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, graduating with the class of 1947. She also completed extra training at The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston. On June 6, 1948, Lillian along with her parents, sisters, and brother went on a family vacation to the Pacific Northwest. They traveled to Lewiston, Idaho to visit friends from June 11-16th. On June 16, Lillian applied for a nursing job at the Potlatch Forests, Inc. Clearwater Plant, now known as "Clearwater Paper Corporation". She accepted the job on June 29, 1948, as their first Industrial Registered Nurse. She continued working there for many years. Lillian was honored in October, 1953 for her part in giving first aid at the scene of an automobile accident on the old spiral highway. The ceremony was inspired by a letter from a Rhode Island man whose son was one of the four students injured in the accident. A fifth student was killed. Lillian was one of the first to reach the scene, gave first aid which was credited with helping save lives. As in Lillian's quiet, gentle way, the family did not know about this honor until years later when a family member found the article in an old Lewiston Tribune. On August 20, 1955 she was married to Joseph Howard "Joe" Dimke at Zion Lutheran Church in Seymour, Wisconsin. They made their home together in Clarkston. In 1964, Lillian began working at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center until she retired in 1989.Lillian worked the night shift from 11pm-7am for 25 years, so she could spend more time with her family during the day. She was looked to in the wee hours of the night as someone to turn to and depend on for advice and leadership. In her quiet manner, Lillian imported strength, confidence and caring. Lillian was a longtime active member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lewiston. She also volunteered for many years at the Asotin County Library delivering books to the shut-ins, she was involved in the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Organization X, (a women's group helping others). She especially enjoyed spending time with her family, golfing and playing cards, especially Gin, with Joe. They had an on-going score card that continued for years. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Joseph H. "Joe" Dimke, Clarkston, WA; three daughters and sons-in-laws, Pam and Wes Albright, Spokane, WA, Lorri and Dan Hally, Clarkston, WA and Stephanie and Bob Baker, East Wenatchee, two sisters and one brother-in-law, Lila Murphy, Las Vegas, NV and Lorraine and Alan Schultz, Malone, WI; eleven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Cheryl Brown, one brother, Larry Camastral and one infant brother, Lawrence. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 31st at 1:00 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 920 8th Ave., Lewiston, Idaho. Memorial donations may be made in care of St. Joseph's Foundation towards the Carondelet House. You are invited to visit her tribute online and leave a memory for the family at www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com. Arrangements are assisted by Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Lillian Louise Dimke

April 5, 1926 - March 9, 2012