April Ann (Barbee) Lemkau, 65, of Sutton passed away peacefully July 22, 2026, surrounded by family and loved ones.

April was born April 1, 1961, to Larry and Sallie (Matteson) Barbee in Henderson. She attended Sutton Public Schools and graduated from Sutton High School in 1979. After high school, April continued her education at the University of Nebraska-Kearney, as well as, Central Tech Community College. She met Rick Lemkau while attending college and they later married Feb. 23, 1985, in Sutton. Rick and April have two boys, Jason and Jered. Rick and April have lived in Sutton their entire married life, 41 years. April was employed with Spearman Printing and then with Sutton State Bank, later known as Astra Bank. She worked for the bank for 29 years and truly loved her job.

When April wasn’t working, she enjoyed drawing and painting, golfing, gardening and spending time with her family, especially her grandsons. April was a dedicated member of the FFA Alumni and volunteered for many events.

April was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Sutton. She served as the church financial secretary for many years.

April is survived by her husband, Rick, of Sutton; son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Morgan Lemkau, and grandsons, Liam and Hayden of Malcolm; son and daughter-inlaw, Jered and Morgan Lemkau, of Lincoln; mother, Sallie Barbee, of Sutton; sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Dick Ogren of Grant; brothers and sisters-in-law, Alan and Diane Barbee of Ayr, Ben and Candy Barbee of Stapleton, and Will Barbee and Beth of Dallas, TX; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Larry (Doc) Barbee.

In honoring April’s generous wishes, she donated her body to science to advance medical education and research. In true April fashion, she was always thinking of and helping others until the very end. She had the most caring heart.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.