William Eugene Emery

ZEBA – William Eugene Emery, 80, of Zeba, passed away on Friday, December 9, 2016, at his home.

He was born March 4, 1936, in L’Anse, son of William Emery and Margaret (Schofield) Sipe. In 1954, Gene graduated from Flandreau Indian School in South Dakota.

He was in the U.S. Air Force from 1954 to 1958 during the Korean Conflict.

He resided in Chicago for eight 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 two 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, K.B.I.C., Ojibwa Seniors, V.F.W. 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; seven grandchildren, Josh Emery, Carmen Emery, Janelle (Veronica) Emery-Jossens, Melissa (Arlan) Boland, Amanda Furr, Lindsey (Greg) Loonsfoot and Melanie Durant; 12 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents; baby son, William Eugene, Jr.; daughter, Colleen Deroche; brothers, James, Gerald and Ronald Emery; sisters, Beverly Ellsworth, Patricia Kemppainen, Mary Connor, Jacqueline Cote and Virginia Shalifoe; and a great-granddaughter, Vanessa Joan.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 20, 2016, from 10 a.m. to 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 jacobsonfuneralhome.com.