Obituaries

of Lockport, IL, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at the age of 87. Born and raised in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, he was the son of Reinhart and Verna (Olson) Emery, and was a graduate of LaCrosse Central High School, Class of 1952. Donnie then proudly served his country for four years during the Korean War as an aircraft mechanic in the 71st Bomber Squadron of the United States Air Force, stationed in Loan, France. He enjoyed his time there and developed lifelong friendships with his fellow squadron members. During his service he earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. After the service, he attended Milwaukee Institute of Technology. Donnie met the love of his life, the former Sharon Stevens, while attending college in Milwaukee. They married and moved to Illinois where he started his 34-year career as a Chief Electronic Technician at Argonne National Laboratory. Donnie enjoyed traveling and watching sports, especially his Green Bay Packers. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and was a role model to his family and a hard worker. He built the lifelong family home while working a full-time and several part-time jobs and raising his family.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 62 years, Sharon (Stevens) Emery; his loving children, Julie (Edward) Collins, Jeff (Debra Melvin) Emery and Joel (Beth Lindquist) Emery; his adoring granddaughter, Layne (James) Locke; and three precious great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Elsie and June Locke.  He is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law, William and Joan Emery; and 15 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Robert, Richard, Marilyn (Jirsa) and Thomas; a nephew, Thomas (Jirsa); and his in-laws.

Visitation for Donnie Emery will be held Saturday, July 9, 2022 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m., with funeral services at 3:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet, IL.  Burial will be in the Pembine Cemetery with full military honors.

A special thank you to Donnie’s caregiver, Barbie, who helped cared for him at home for the past year.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Mooseheart Charities, Mooseheart Child City and School, Inc, Mooseheart, IL 60539, or online at www.mooseheart.org would be appreciated.

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home of Joliet, IL and Roubal Funeral Home of Wausaukee are assisting Donnie’s family.