Donald Emerich

Donald Emerich has passed away at the age of 88.

Born in Menasha, Wisconsin, son of Florence Marie Emerich (MacDonald) and Lloyd Arthur Emerich, Donald attended Menasha High School, participating in Track and Field, Football, and Musical Theatre under the direction of Fran Buboltz, as well as the small ensemble acapella quartet, The Quarter Notes. He was very proud of his Discus and Shot Put record throws, which stood unchallenged in the Menasha High School trophy case from 1956 until 1979. Among his starring theatrical roles was The Major General in the Pirates of Penzance, and he could still fluently sing the signature pattersong into his eighties. The Quarter Notes took accolades at the Wisconsin State Solo and Ensemble contest, and were known for singing barbershop tunes during downtime at track meets as they were all on the track team together. While in High School, Don enjoyed working as a stockboy at Tornow’s Market.

After High School, Don enlisted in the Marine Corps in Camp Pendleton, CA. He fired High Expert with an M-1 rifle and received a medal and a corps parade salute for his achievements. He also sang in the Marine Corps choral ensemble. He credits his time in the Service for giving him maturity, courage, and discipline. After the Marine Corps, he attended Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, where he met and married the love of his life, Susan Severson, daughter of Dorothy (Brown) Severson and Stanley (“Chick”) Severson. He worked for the George Banta Publishing Company and Menasha Corporation, while he completed his degree in Geology and Spanish at University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh.

Don’s career highlights include Personnel Director for Menasha Corporation, Personnel Administrator for Appleton Memorial Hospital, and Director of Personnel and Safety for Sub-Zero Freezer Company. He served on the board of the American Red Cross and was a 50 gallon lifetime blood donor.

Don was a lifelong lover of music, and actively participated in the Neenah First Presbyterian Church Choir and the Christ Presbyterian Church of Madison Choir. His college fieldwork contributed to the book Roadside Geology of Wisconsin, and he loved to hone his “rockhound” skills on every outing and adventure. He enjoyed playing golf, fishing, photography, and exploring the Pheasant Branch Nature Conservancy, photographing the Sandhill Cranes and Great Horned Owls in their nesting habitats. He was a partner in gardening with his wife, and they were admired in their neighborhood for their lush and lovely gardens.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Lloyd Emerich, and his brother, David Emerich, and by his wife, Susan Severson Emerich. He leaves behind three adult children, Ellie Emerich Hart (Alec) of Colorado Springs, Colorado, John D. Emerich (Karen) of Newnan, Georgia, and Kate Emerich Gordon (Mike) of Denver, Colorado, as well as four grandchildren, Jeannie Emerich Keil, Daniel Marmer, Savannah Emerich Caldwell (Wil), and Peter Max Marmer, and three great-grandchildren.

Don will be laid to rest in a private graveside ceremony in Oak Hill Cemetery in Neenah, Wisconsin this Spring. In lieu of Flowers, please consider a gift in Don’s honor to the International Crane Foundation, the American Red Cross, or the Pheasant Branch Conservancy of Middleton, Wisconsin.