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Lisa Marie Woodke, of Salisbury, passed away March 26th 2026 at her home after a courageous 5-year battle against ovarian cancer. She was 55.
Lisa was born on July 1st, 1970 to Don and Jean Woodke (Beilke) in Appleton, WI. She graduated from Martin Luther High School in Greendale, WI in 1988. Lisa worked at Sam’s Club in Wisconsin and North Carolina for 35 years. She loved watching hockey and going to auto races around the Midwest and South. She met the love of her life, Kevin, after helping with a race team in 2000 and relocated to North Carolina. A member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, she participated regularly with the women’s ministry and other activities. She enjoyed camping, crafts, rock painting and attending Milwaukee Admirals and Charlotte Checkers hockey games around the country with Kevin and friends, including a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Finland for games in 2024. She was utterly devoted to her cats and loved penguins.
She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Al Fortner; her stepmother, Jan Woodke; Her uncle, Donald Beilke; and her cherished cats Moo and Chaos.
Survivors include her partner of 25 years, Kevin Kerr; her mother, Jean Fortner; father, Donald Woodke; aunt, Janet Beilke, cousins Scott (Katie), Jenny (Kris), and Kylie; and numerous other cousins. She is also considered family by Jim and Sandi Kerr, and Kevin’s extended family. Also missing her presence will be her beloved cats Bear and Felix.
In lieu of flowers, Lisa requested pet food donations in her honor be made to your local Meals on Wheels.
The family would also like to acknowledge the amazing hospice care provided to Lisa by Atrium Hospice Cabarrus and their staff.
A Celebration of Life for Lisa will be on Tuesday April 14 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Salisbury NC. Visitation will be at 6pm followed by a memorial service at 7pm. The service will also be streamed on the St John’s website for those unable to attend in person. https://stjohns-salisbury.org
Carolina Cremation is honored to serve the Woodke family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com
Jimmy says
I am so sorry buddy for your loss. Prayers for you man.
Karen and Nancy says
Sending heartfelt sympathies to all those mourning the loss of this beautiful soul. To honor Lisa’s love of cats, we will be donating cat food to our local food pantry; Rhyleigh will want some dog food included as well. Forever in our hearts.
Ann Hatchett says
We are so sorry for the loss of sweet Lisa. I knew Lisa through Women’s Ministry at St John’s. She was always smiling and beautiful. Gone too soon from us. Prayers.
Shirlandra Glaspy says
My Condolences 🙏🏾.
I will miss my work bestie.
Jenny Kaphingst says
To my favorite cousin. This was something that happened that we prayed so darn hard for not to happen. You always bought sunshine and and array of hope and faith everyday. We will treasure the memories and miss you. May you rest in peace and keep laughing and smiling.
June says
Lisa was my work bestie at 6540 for years until she left for the Mooresville, NC location. Her passing comes as a complete shock.
I’ll hug my cats tighter and the roar of engines at the races will be dearer to me.
Rest in peace Lisa. You’re with the angels.
Cyndi Krusemark says
Our deepest sympathies for Lisa’s family and friends. I didn’t know her for very long. Her smile brightened a room. It was an honor to know her and I cherish the time we had together. Her beautiful spirit shown in that lovely smile.
Narlie and Sherry says
We send our condolences to Kevin and the family.
May God bring peace and comfort in years to come.
Praying for you all.
Patrick Walker says
My condolences to Lisa’s Family. Lisa was a special person and one of the best associates that I had the privilege to work with at Sam’s Club. She always had a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone. Still think about the ziploc bags of Christmas Crack she brought to work during the Holidays. She will be Missed.
Deanne says
My thoughts and condolences to Kevin and Jean. We will miss Lisa. Every time I hear the song “Foxey Lady,” I picture Lisa looking over at me from her hockey seat at the Bradley Center and making fox ears. Then, we’d all laugh. Until we meet again Lisa…
Gail Parker says
This is such a surprise. I work with that sweet lady and Sam’s Club In Charlotte, we all hated to see her leave and go to another store. She was one of the sweetest and friendliest people, and it was an honor to know her that short period of time.
Linda Bryant says
Prayers for comfort and peace for Lisa’s family during this sad time. I’ll always remember our conversations about our Big 10 rivalries. On Wisconsin – Go Penn State! Her smile will be missed.
Pat Stankiewicz says
I was fortunate to know Lisa through Milwaukee Admirals hockey. Her smile, laughter and ability to brighten any moment left a lasting impression on me. She will be deeply missed. My heartfelt sympathies to her family and friends,
Pat Stankiewicz says
I was fortunate to know Lisa through Milwaukee Admirals hockey. Her smile, laughter and ability to brighten any moment left a lasting impression on me. She will be deeply missed. My heartfelt sympathies to her family and friends. You will all be in my prayers.
Mindy, Karsyn, and Charlee says
So sorry to hear this Kevin! Sending up prayers!! Great memories of camping with you guys!! Charlee will always remember her as the lady who got her non-stick bandaids for her bike wreck!!
Kathy Norris says
I am so sorry to hear of Lisa’s passing. I first met her at a Games Night at church. I was teaching 5 Crowns & she joined. Then she joined our Bible study. She was a sweet caring lady and will be missed. May you feel God’s love &
support at this time.
Kathy Norris says
I am so sorry to hear of Lisa’s passing. I first met her at a Games Night at church. I was teaching 5 Crowns & she joined. Then she joined our Bible study. She was a sweet caring lady and will be missed. May you feel God’s love &
support at this time.
Raye ManueleRobinson says
Lisa & I worked together in Wisconsin & kept in touch after she moved. I am so sorry for her loss & will miss her. My condolences to Kevin & the families. She was one of the loveliest people I had the pleasure to know. A donation was made to the Wisconsin Humane Society pet food pantry in her name.