Doreen M. Emmerich
December 20, 1920 – February 15, 2020
A memorial service to celebrate Doreen’s life will be held on Friday, February 21, 2020 at12:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 506 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008. The family will greet visitors in the fellowship hall of the church one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Animal’s Best Friend (PO Box 443 Oshtemo, MI 49077) or a charity of one’s choice.
Obituary
Age 99, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2020. Doreen was born in Duluth, Minnesota on December 20, 1920, the daughter of the late Allen J. and Karen (Svensen) Burkey. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and was employed by the Upjohn Co. for 26 years in the Personnel Department, where she was the recipient of the W.E. Upjohn Award in 1979. She enjoyed sports, especially her Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs. Doreen also enjoyed music and was well versed on the accordion, clarinet, piano and organ, playing professionally at various music venues. On September 3, 1940, Doreen married Norman F. Emmerich and together they enjoyed 72 years of marriage until his death in November of 2012. She is survived by her daughter, Sandi Hill and son, Rob (Cindy) Emmerich. The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Wyndham West and Directors Hall for their care and compassion given to Doreen during the final years of her life.
Dear Rob and Sandy, I am so sorry for your loss, but heaven just got a angel and I see Norm there with his arms ready to greet her with a huge long overdo hug.. She was (and your dad too) were the kindest most generous friends (neighbors) we have ever had. I still look back at our pictures and just mentioned to Paul today that when your folks left Southern that it was never the same. The “southern comfort ” was alive and well when they were there with us and our girls.
I worked with Doreen back in the 70s and she was the sweetest, kindest co-worker you could ever hope to work with. She never had a bad day or bad mood and was so professional in her job. It was a joy to be around her. A new angel in Heaven for sure. My deepest sympathy to her daughter Sandi and son Rob and his wife Cindy. My prayers and thoughts are with you.