Emil E. Colby, 98, of Sheboygan, received eternal rest Sunday morning, Decemeber 22, 2024, at Pine Haven Christian Communities in Sheboygan Falls.
Born November 25, 1926, in Oulu, WI, Emil was the youngest child of the late John and Mathilda Peltamaa Colby. He attended Oulu area schools and graduated from Poplar High School in 1944. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944 where he served his country in WWII and the Korean Conflict. On August 26, 1950, he was happily united in marriage to Darlene F. Guetschow at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sheboygan. They were married for 42 years before Darlene was called to our heavenly Father on May 30, 1993. His nephew introduced him several years later to a lovely lady, Violet Anderson, who gave him many years of joy and companionship before she was also called to her heavenly home.
Emil worked at the Garton Toy Company in his earlier years, and he retired from the Kohler Company in 1988 after 25 years of service. He was very involved with the UAW Local 833, serving on various committees, as well as serving as Chief Steward. He loved spending time with his family and relatives and enjoyed watching and cheering on the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers. His other hobbies included cooking, gardening, canning, and knitting wash cloths, which he took pleasure in sharing with those he was fond of.
He is survived by his children, Michael J. Colby, of Iron River, WI; daughter, Christine (Michael) Meyer, of Sheboygan; grandchildren, Joshua (Marianne) Meyer, Aaron (Alais) Fortier-Meyer, Mindy (Brad) Leiterman; son Jeff (Angie) of Cleveland, WI:; grandchildren, Justin Colby, Jason Colby, Lauren Simonsmier and Adam Colby; 10 great grandchildren: Olivia, Christian and Zane Colby, Eric and Anton Meyer, Sophia and Amelia Leiterman, Wren, Juniper and Hawthorn Fortier-Meyer; 1 great great grandson, Oakley DenDekkar.
He is further survived by his very close and special niece, Lorraine Litz, of Sheboygan, and many other nieces and nephews whom he was also blessed to have loved.
Besides his wife, Darlene, and parents, he was preceded in death by his 4 brothers, Waino, William, Edwin, and Elmer; and 5 sisters, Eileen Zastrow, Ina Jacobson, Hilma Heikkinen, Elaine Hariju, and Linda Hendrickson.
A Memorial Service for Emil will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1810 N. 13th Street. Family and friends are welcome to greet the family at the church on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, a memorials may be given in Emil’s name to Sharon S. Richardson Hospice and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sheboygan,
The family would like to thank the staff of Lakehouse Sheboygan, Pine Haven Christian Communities, and Sharon S. Richardson Hospice who assisted him and brought him comfort in his difficult years.
The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Emil’s arrangements.
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