Morgan Leigh Lemkau

Morgan Leigh (Bak) Lemkau, born November 5, 1990, in Norfolk, Nebraska, was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, cousin, teacher, and friend whose life was defined by love, faith, and an unwavering dedication to the people around her.

Morgan was born to Tim Bak and Lisa Leinen (Breitkreutz). Her faith was an important part of her life from the very beginning. She was baptized on November 25, 1990, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wisner, Nebraska. Morgan was raised in Wisner, Nebraska where she attended Wisner-Pilger Elementary School and graduated from Wisner-Pilger High School in 2009. Throughout her life, her relationship with God remained a source of strength, comfort, and hope. Morgan’s faith was a model for everyone around her. She lived out her beliefs every single day; through acts of kindness, in a patient listening ear, and in a steady heart during trying times. Through every storm, Morgan remained anchored to her faithfulness. Morgan was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, where she was heavily involved in church council, baking goodies, and teaching Sunday school.

On August 8, 2015, Morgan married her husband, Jason Lemkau. Morgan and Jason have the kind of love that grows through every season and every aspect of life. They have truly grown together - always challenging, encouraging, and keeping each other on their toes. Most importantly, they chose to build their marriage with God at the center, trusting Him to guide their hearts and their marriage. Their love is a beautiful reflection of faith, friendship, commitment, and a desire to grow not only closer to each other, but closer to God. Their greatest joys were their two boys, Liam (8) and Hayden (4), who were the light of Morgan's world. Being a mother was one of the greatest blessings of her life, and she loved her boys with her whole heart.

Morgan was a loving sister to Caitlin and Madelyn. Her sisters were an important part of her life, sharing with her the memories, laughter, challenges, and milestones that make a family special. Their bond was one that will continue through the memories they hold close and the love they shared.

Morgan was an amazing aunt who cherished her nieces and nephews. She loved being part of their lives and took great joy in watching them grow. Her nieces and nephews knew how much Aunt Morgan (Mo Mo) loved them, and the memories they shared with her will remain a treasured part of their lives.

Morgan had a deep passion for teaching and making a difference in the lives of children. Education was more than a career for her—it was a calling. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Coaching from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2013 and later earned her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Doane University in 2018. After earning her masters, she received her reading specialist endorsement from Doane University in 2018 as well.

Morgan began her teaching career as a third grade teacher at Westfall Elementary School in Malcolm, Nebraska in May 2014 and continued in that role until August 2022. She continued to follow her passion for working with young children as a first grade teacher at Westfall Elementary School in Malcolm, Nebraska from August 2022 until the present. Morgan had a gift for making children feel seen, valued, and capable. She believed in her students and celebrated their successes, both big and small. Her classroom was a place where children could learn, grow, and feel loved and encouraged. The impact she made on her students will continue through the many lives she touched.

To know Morgan was to know someone who cared deeply. She gave her love freely—to Jason, to Liam and Hayden, to her parents & sisters, to her nieces and nephews, to her students & community, and to her many friends and family members. Morgan will be remembered in the laughter shared around the table, in the aroma of delicious baked goods, through the quick one liners & witty humor, and in the countless everyday moments that now mean so much.

After a short battle and a courageous fight against cancer, Morgan was called home on August 30, 2026. Morgan is survived by her husband - Jason Lemkau; her sons - Liam and Hayden; her parents - Tim & Kari Bak of Wisner, Nebraska and Lisa & Randy Leinen of Harlan, IA; her sisters - Caitlin & Jason Eisenmann of Davey, Nebraska and family, Breckyn, Brayden, & Bergan; Madelyn & Loren Williams of Waverly, Nebraska; her step-sisters - Melissa Moores of Woodbine, Iowa and family, Payton, Sloan, & Wyatt; Brooke & Adam Gau of Treynor, Iowa and daughters, Jaylee & Novie; Taylor & Michael Bos of Springfield, Nebraska and family, Rylee, Kaison, & Nash; her step-brother - Cody & Ashley Stasch of Pierce, Nebraska and daughter, Remi; her father-in-law - Rick Lemkau of Sutton, Nebraska; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law - Jered & Morgan Lemkau of Lincoln, Nebraska; her grandmother - Elaine Bak of Wisner, Nebraska; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Morgan was preceded in death by her grandparents - Russ & Sharon Breitkreutz of Wisner, Nebraska, Harland Bak of Wisner, Nebraska, Bernie & Helen Leinen of Harlan, Iowa; and mother-in-law - April Lemkau of Sutton, Nebraska.

Morgan's passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness for all who loved her. Her family will miss her presence, her voice, her laughter, her strength, and the love she gave so generously.

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