Charles E. Emmons' Obituary
? Big Rapids- Charles E. Emmons, 81 During the Korean Conflict, Charlie served with the U.S. Army, stationed in England. In 1952, he married Joyce Jorgensen, and the couple returned to Big Rapids following his discharge in 1953. For many years, Charlie worked in the family business, Emmons Dairy, with his father and brother John. He became sole owner in 1980, and operated the business until retiring in 1991. Active in the community, Charlie was a former member of the Pleasant View School Board (the country school where he and most of his children attended.) He was also a member of the Big Rapids Township Board of Review, the Michigan Farm Bureau, the Big Rapids Jaycees, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Mecosta County. Charlie served as Head Usher of the United Church of Big Rapids, and was formerly a Little League coach and 4-H Leader. An avid sportsman, Charlie was on his high school football and boxing teams. He also boxed while in the service, and was an excellent pitcher in both fast-and slow-pitch softball. Charlie bowled for many years, sponsoring the Emmons Dairy Team, and for his accomplishments he was recently inducted into the Mecosta County Sports Hall of Fame. He also enjoyed woodworking and carving, and built two homes. Charlie is survived by his wife Joyce; their children Diane (Timothy) Sack of Big Rapids, Charley (Rebecca) Emmons, VI, Timothy (Jackie) Emmons of Rockford, Julia (David) Wroblewski of Attica; 7 grandchildren, Charles Emmons, VII, Carrie (Robert) Cole, Mya, Brandon, and Taylor Emmons, Ryan and Shane Wroblewski; 1 brother, John (Joanne) Emmons of Big Rapids; 2 sisters, Adeline Emmons of Kalamazoo, Kathleen (Thomas) Course of Punta Gorda, FL; and many nieces and nephews. Memorial services for Charlie will be 11 a.m. on Friday, February 18, 2011 at the United Church in Big Rapids, with Revs. Jon Fleming and Jerena Keyes officiating. His family will greet friends at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of services. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ellis Island Foundation, the Army Historical Foundation, or Hospice of Michigan, with envelopes available at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. , of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, February 7, 2010, at his residence. He was born June 9, 1929 in Big Rapids, the son of Albert and Dorothy (Manahan) Emmons, and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1947.
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