Denise Kathleen Carlberg

Denise Kathleen Carlberg, 54, of Johnson Lake, Nebraska, passed away Sunday, February 2, 2014, the result of a traffic accident near Johnson Lake. She was born February 9, 1959, in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Elmer and Esther (Magstadt) Lemke. Denise was baptized and confirmed in Trinity Lutheran Church in Mott, North Dakota. She graduated high school from Mott Lincoln High School in Mott, North Dakota in 1977. She was united in marriage to Eric Carlberg on June 21, 1995, in Omaha, Nebraska. The family moved to Johnson Lake in 1999, she and Eric were co-managers for LakeShore Marina Resort at Johnson Lake. The couple assisted the owners in building a successful, community driven business and in the process made many life-long friendships through this endeavor. Denise’s employment history included restaurant and hotel management. She was currently worked as a Tax Advisor for H&R Block in Gothenburg, Nebraska and had just completed her real-estate license and boards to sell real-estate for Doran Post & Associates in Lexington. To say that Denise was a people person is an understatement. She wanted everyone around her to be happy. She loved life and her most rewarding career was being a mother and grandmother. She loved to travel, was a “foodie” and never met a stranger. She spent many hours in the Elwood High School gymnasium cheering on her daughters through all of their activities. Their house was always home to all of the children’s friends and she was known as “mom” to all. Denise always tried to be “the hostess with the mostest”! Denise was known for saying “It’s not good-bye, it’s see you later!” Although her life was cut short way too soon, her infectious smile and memory will live on forever – we’ll see you later, Denise. She is survived by her husband; Eric Carlberg of Johnson Lake, Nebraska; parents; Elmer and Esther Lemke of Bentley, North Dakota; children; Jasmine (Isaac) Franz of Rosemount, Minnesota; Jaden (Stephanie) Sprecher of Cozad, Nebraska; Taylor and Tobie Carlberg both at home at Johnson Lake, Nebraska; Zach (fiancé Melissa) Carlberg of Omaha, Nebraska; Jesse (Sarah) Carlberg of Bellevue, Nebraska; and, Erica (fiancé Matt) Carlberg of Omaha, Nebraska; eight grandchildren; Kailey, Josiah, & Madison Franz of Rosemount, Minnesota; Jaden & Blaire Sprecher of Cozad, Nebraska; Zoey Carlberg of Omaha, Nebraska; and, Jackson & Everly Carlberg of Bellevue, Nebraska; brother; Duane (Patty) Lemke of Bentley, North Dakota; several aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Denise was preceded in death by her grandparents; infant sister, Desiré; and niece, Justina Lemke. The family has selected cremation. A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, February 9, 2014, at 4:00 p.m. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elwood, Nebraska with Pastor Michael Wolff officiating. Inurnment will be held later in the family cemetery in North Dakota. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the memorial fund that has been established for the young daughters of Denise Carlberg, at Pinnacle Bank in Elwood, Nebraska, 301 N. Smith Ave., Elwood, NE 68937. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. To share online condolences with the family please go to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.