Charles E. Emerick

Charles E. “Chuck” Emerick, 78, of Geneseo, passed away Monday, February 17, 2014, at home surrounded by his family.  A funeral service celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb 21, at Grace United Methodist Church in Geneseo.  Reverend Melva England Graham will officiate.  Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Geneseo. Military honors will be accorded by Don Cherry VFW Post 5083.  Visitation for Chuck will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday at Vandemore Funeral Homes, Geneseo.  Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church and Geneseo Youth Football.

Chuck was born on August 18, 1935, to Joe and Alice (Wahlheim) Emerick.  He graduated from Geneseo High School in 1954 and served in the United States Army from 1954-1956 in Germany.  He married Beverly "Bev" Peck on May 5, 1957, at Atkinson Congregational Church.

Chuck worked at the Geneseo Telephone Company, served on the Geneseo Police Department for a short time, and at the Geneseo Municipal Light Plant. He retired in 1994 after 31 years.

Chuck was one of the four original coaches of Geneseo Youth Football. He also coached Little League baseball. He was a lifelong member of Grace United Methodist Church. He taught Sunday School for over 30 years and served on various boards. Chuck and Bev traveled the Midwest working at Lay Witness Missions, giving testimony and evangelizing. Chuck and Bev played Santa and Mrs. Claus for many years and enjoyed it very much. Chuck served for five years on the Henry County Sheriff's Auxillary. Chuck loved to fish in northern Wisconsin, spending many happy vacations on various lakes with Bev and friends.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Bev of Geneseo; daughters, Dori Sparks of Hayfield, MN, and Diane (Tom) Birmingham of Geneseo; son, Doug (Shelly) Emerick of Geneseo; six grandchildren, Kelly Sparks of St. Paul, MN, Erin Sparks of Lake City, MN, Connor Sparks of Sioux City, IA, Joshua Birmingham of Wichita, KS, and Courtney and Michael Emerick of Geneseo. He was preceded in death by his parents.

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