KENNETH "KEN" MELVIN EMMERICH

Kenneth “Ken” Melvin Emmerich came to the end of his journey on Earth on Friday, November 13, 2020 at the home of his daughter, Debra Poyda, under the loving care of his family and Hope Hospice.

 A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 20, 2020 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, with Pastor Rodger Prois officiating. Visitation will take place on Friday, November 20, 2020 from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.  Military Honors will be performed by the Medford Honors Team,  interment with family members at Perkinstown Cemetery. Jake Emmerich will be serving as Urnbearer and Honorary Urnbearers will be Chad Emmerich and Andy Rodman.

 Ken was born on November 19, 1932 in Medford to Alfred and Maude (Dodge) Emmerich. He attended school at the Wayside School in the  Town of Hammel and Medford High School.

He married Rita Westrich on December 20, 1952. On January 4, 1953 he was drafted into the US Army and took basic training at Camp Carson, Colorado. In January of 1954 he was sent to Korea, serving with the 11th armored Cavalry Unit.  Ken received his honorable discharge on February 2, 1955. When he returned home, he set up his life dream of dairy farming. He retired in 1994.

In his retirement he and Rita were very active in VFW Post 5729, in Medford, serving as Commander for 4 years and conducting the Honors Team for 10 years. He also did volunteer work at  St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for several years.

In addition to his wife, Rita, Ken is survived by sons, Bruce (PamWells) of Medford, Dean and (Sue Keefe) of Medford, Lorin (Julee Senoraske) of Tomahawk, Tim Emmerich of Medford, Paul Emmerich of Medford; daughters, Debra (Jim) Poyda of Medford, Julie (Brian) Rodman of Medford, and Patti (Chris) Bruggink of Medford; 16 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren. Ken is also survived by brothers, Earl (Joanne) of Tripoli, Glen (Eileen) of Medford, Roger (Susan) of Medford and a sister Lorraine Clark of Medford.

In addition to his parents, Ken is preceded in death by his brother, Vernon Emmerich, brother-in-law Harvey Clarke and great-granddaughter, Kiana O’Neil.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials in Ken’s names to be given to Hope Hospice or St. Paul’s  Lutheran Church in Medford.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.