Kenneth Emmerich

1932-2020

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

and Hope Hospice. Cavalry Unit. Ken received his honorable discharge on Feb. 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 four 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 (Pam Wells) 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; and 34 greatgrandchildren. 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-inlaw, Harvey Clarke; and great-granddaughter, Kiana O’Neil.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials in Ken’s name 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.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 20 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, with Pastor Rodger Prois officiating. Visitation will take place on Friday, Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. 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 Nov. 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 Dec. 20, 1952. On Jan. 4, 1953 he was drafted into the US Army and took basic training at Camp Carson, Colo. In January of 1954 he was sent to Korea, serving with the 11th armored

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