William Eugene Emery
March 4, 1936 — December 9, 2016
William Eugene Emery, age 80 of Zeba, MI passed away on Friday, December 9, 2016 at his home.
He was born March 4, 1936 in L’Anse, MI son of William Emery and Margaret (Schofield) Sipe. In 1954 Gene graduated from Flandreau Indian School in South Dakota. He was in the US Air Force from 1954-58 during the Korean Conflict. He resided in Chicago for 8 years where he worked as a general foreman for a hydraulic plant.
He moved back to L’Anse and married Gretchen Knapp on July 19, 1975. Gene worked for the KBIC running a construction training program for years and then various other jobs with the tribe. He was Chairman for 2 years and served on the council for over 30 years. Gene also worked for Celotex as a maintenance electrician for 20 years.
He is a member of Zeba United Methodist Church, KBIC, Ojibwa Seniors, VFW Post 3897, and American Legion Post 444. Gene was on the Baraga County Veterans Board, Ojibwa Housing Commission, Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, going for rides in the woods, reading, and spending time with his dog Roxie.
Surviving are his wife Gretchen Emery of Zeba; daughter Tracy Emery of Zeba; Sister Gwen Loonsfoot of Zeba; 7 grandchildren, Josh Emery, Carmen Emery, Janelle (Veronica) Emery-Jossens, Melissa (Arlan) Boland, Amanda Furr, Lindsey (Greg) Loonsfoot, Melanie Durant; 12 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are his parents; baby son William Eugene Jr.; daughter Colleen Deroche; brothers, James, Gerald, Ronald Emery; sisters Beverly Ellsworth, Patricia Kemppainen, Mary Connor, Jacqueline Cote, Virginia Shalifoe; and a great granddaughter Vanessa Joan.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 20th from 10-11 a.m. at the Zeba Hall. The Baraga County Area Veterans will conduct military rites at 11 a.m. under the direction of the American Legion Post 444. His memorial service will follow with Rev. Stephen Rhoades officiating. Burial will be in the spring in the Pinery Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Friends may sign Gene’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com