Mr. Emke graduated from Cathedral High School in 1958. He became a member of District 9 Local 313 Machinists Union on February 5, 1959. He started working as a mechanic at Nick’s SOS Garage, then moved to Meyer Oldsmobile and retired from Dave Schmidt Truck Service, Belleville, IL in 2002. He held several offices in the Union over the years. He received Union Man of the Year in 2004. He was an avid bowler and loved the outdoors. He took great pride in caring for his yard and especially enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He coached baseball and softball for all his children. He also was a cub scout and boy scout den leader for both of his boys. Joe was a member of St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Herman and Marie Henrietta, nee Toennies, Emke.
Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Margaret A., nee Spieker, Emke, whom he married on September 10, 1962, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Belleville, IL;
four children, Arthur (Carla) Emke of New Baden, IL,
Annette (Ron) Whitaker of Shiloh, IL,
Mark (Angela) Emke of Belleville, IL,
and Marilyn (Ken) Berg of Belleville, IL;
eight grandchildren, Joseph (Michael) Emke,
Amber (Matt) Behrman,
Eric Whitaker,
Amy Whitaker,
Jacob Emke,
Nicholas Emke (Samantha Wellinghoff, fiancé),
Edward Berg,
and Thomas Berg;
two great-grandchildren, Paige and Jace Behrman;
two brothers, William (Denise) Emke of O’Fallon, IL,
Michael (Linda) Emke of Las Vegas, NV;
two sisters, Jeanette (Eugene) Padgett of Belleville, IL;
Angeline (John) English of Belleville, IL,
and nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church and Hospice of Southern Illinois. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, January 16, 2017, at George Renner and Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral procession will leave at 9:40 a.m. Tuesday, January 17, 2017, from George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, for a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. William McGhee officiating.
Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
Condolences Left For Joseph Emke
Our hearts and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Please know that Joe’s kindness,compassion and spirit will live on through the memories of those who knew and Loved him.
May God Bless .
Buddy and Pat Hilgert, Friendswood, Texas , 77546
Art,Carla, and family Steve and I are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers of comfort and sympathy go to you and all your family
Cindy n Steve Crowl
Cindy Crowl , Belleville , Illinois , 62226
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. May God bring you comfort and peace now and in all the days to follow.
Joe and Kathleen Davis, Linwod, Kansas, 66052
May our Lord bless & comfort your family during this time of grief.
Please accept our sincere condolences.
Jim & Terry Pennebaker, Smithton, IL, 62285-1405