In loving memory of

Gene R. Emerick
October 1, 1935 - March 5, 2017

Gene Emerick
Yates City Gene R. Emerick, 81, of Yates City, died at 1:20 p.m., on Sunday, March 5, 2017, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
He was born on October 1, 1935, in Elmwood, to James Gail and Bernice (Corbett) Emerick.
He married Carol Reinhart on December 31, 1953. She survives.
Other survivors include five children, Martin Marty (Dorothy Kay) Emerick of Yates City, Steven Emerick of Davenport, Iowa, Lisa (Steve) Staggs of Yates City, Terri (Doug) Cosby of Elmwood, and Cherri (Tom) Hoefft of Dunlap; one sister, Nancy (Bill) Sheppard; twelve grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Gene grew up on the farm and graduated from Brimfield High School in 1953. He served in the US Naval Reserves for 8 years from 1953-1961, completed two short courses at the University of Illinois in 1954-1955 and a 2 year certificate in HEVAC Engineering from Illinois Central College in 1975.
Gene spent most of his professional life doing what he loved, farming. He also worked at Caterpillar, Proctor Hospital, Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception Convent, and later in life drove the school bus for Farmington Central School District.
Gene was a member of the Methodist Church of Elmwood, the International Order of Odd Fellows, the American Legion and the Moose Lodge.
Gene enjoyed tinkering in the machine shed, stamp and coin collecting, spending time with his family, playing cards, watching Westerns and reminiscing about who used to live in which houses in the old days! Gene was a generous soul to everyone in his family and was always there to help anyone in need.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held at noon on Thursday, March 9, 2017, at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood with a two hour visitation prior from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Burial with military rites will immediately follow the service at Elmwood Township Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Easter Seals.
Online condolences may be posted at www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.
Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood is in charge of arrangements.

Tributes

Ken Miars wrote on Nov 15, 2017:

"Lit a candle in memory of Gene R. Emerick"

Rhonda Hanlin wrote on Nov 15, 2017:

"Lit a candle in memory of Gene R. Emerick"

Sharon Wallace wrote on Nov 15, 2017:

"Lit a candle in memory of Gene R. Emerick"

Ruth Arnold wrote on Nov 15, 2017:

"Lit a candle in memory of Gene R. Emerick"

Janet and Eric Windish wrote on Nov 15, 2017:

"Lit a candle in memory of Gene R. Emerick"

Kymm & Bob Pendry wrote on Nov 15, 2017:

"Lit a candle in memory of Gene R. Emerick"

Jody Hamby wrote on Nov 15, 2017:

"Lit a candle in memory of Gene R. Emerick"

Sherry Steinkuehler (Emerick) wrote on Mar 7, 2017:

"So sorry for your family's loss. You all are in my prayers."

Janet and Eric Windish wrote on Mar 7, 2017:

"Please know that the entire Emerick family is in our prayers"

Jody Hamby wrote on Mar 6, 2017:

"Lisa and family, I'm so sorry for your loss of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you during such a difficult time. Jody Hamby"

Resa Hurley wrote on Mar 6, 2017:

"3 files added to the tribute wall"

Resa Hurley wrote on Mar 6, 2017:

"2 files added to the tribute wall"

Teresa wrote on Mar 6, 2017:

"My deepest condolences to you and your family. May God hold and comfort you in your time of need. Teresa (Payne) Jones."

Martin Emerick wrote on Mar 6, 2017:

"I meant everytime"

Martin Emerick wrote on Mar 6, 2017:

"A memory I will always have with him is everyone I would tell him I love him he would always respond with "that's always good to hear" or "Ditto" he would never say it back but that was just the way he was. I know he loved me but he wasn't the type to say it. You will always be in my heart."

Wendy Chasteen wrote on Mar 6, 2017:

"My heart goes out to the whole family. I remember many summers when we were little and after we first moved to Yates City spent riding our bikes to the Emerick's. Then the years after as we got older hanging out at their house. Gene was such a sweet man. Sending love and prayers."

Jane Housenga wrote on Mar 6, 2017:

"So very sorry for your loss. Many fond memories of Odd Fellow Picnics with Gene and family! Jane (Lopeman) Housenga"

Resa Hurley wrote on Mar 6, 2017:

"Grandpa, I will miss you! You have always been there even though we live far, you always kept up with our lives . A few months ago you called and was determined to talk to me, I'm so thankful you did. I remember you had a strong presence as we were growing up. I'm glad my Husband and kids had a chance to see you. I remember riding tractors and farming. You will be deeply missed. Love you, Resa Hurley(Emerick)"

Ivan Price wrote on Mar 6, 2017:

"I am sorry for your loss. I have a lot of fond memories with Emericks in them. Godspeed Gene."

Lori Dulock wrote on Mar 6, 2017:

"One of my favorite times with grandpa was harvesting the grain in the fall. Michael Emerick"

Resa Hurley wrote on Mar 6, 2017:

"He was such a big part of my Life. Even though I live far, he always kept up with our lives. He would write (the old fashioned way) a letter to just ask how we were. He always checked on us. I will always remember all the memories he gave me growing up. I Love you Grandpa E Resa Hurley(Emerick)"