Donald W. Emmerich (92) of Effingham

Donald W. Emmerich, 92,  of Lake Sara, Effingham, Illinois passed away peacefully at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 2020 at his home with his family.

Due to the Covid-19, a private family graveside service will take place at the St. Joseph Catholic Church cemetery in rural Island Grove with military rites. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church building fund in Shumway, IL. A celebration of life in Don’s honor will be at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham.

Don was born the youngest child and only son of William & Nora (Lux) Emmerich, on May 30, 1927 in Jasper County, Illinois.He grew up in the community of Island Grove and graduated from Newton Community High School in 1945. In 1952, Don married Jane Weishaar and together had 4 children. Don served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953.

He was a farmer and established Emmerich Seed, Inc. in 1970. Don was a kind person with a big heart who loved spending time at the lake with his family and friends. Don enjoyed gardening, bird watching, and woodworking. Don and Jane also had a love for traveling and together they visited over 32 countries along with most of the United States. Having a passion for history, one of Don’s more memorable trips was with the Lincoln Land Honor Flight to Washington DC. He enjoyed ballroom dancing and hosted many Big Band dances at the Thelma Keller Convention Center in Effingham with his wife. He was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Shumway, Illinois, the American Legion in Newton, Illinois, the Elks Lodge and Knights of Columbus in Effingham, Illinois.

Don is survived by his wife Jane of 67 years in marriage, daughters Karen (George) Paulsen of Oberlin, OH, and Patti (Tod) Britton of Effingham, IL, Daughters-in-law Pam (Lee) Emmerich of Newton, IL, & Loretta (Dean) Emmerich of Newton, IL. Don has eight Grandchildren; Ryan Lawyer of Denver, CO, Kelly Ybarra of Murrieta, CA, Kaci Mayo of San Juan Capistrano, CA, Amber Emmerich of Montrose, IL, Kristen Hedges of Oak Harbor, OH, Ashley Paulsen of Brady Lake, OH, Keaton Emmerich of Effingham, IL and Kyle Britton of Effingham. IL. And 9 Great Grandchildren with 2 on the way.