Walter “Wally” A. Emmerich

1958-2025

Walter “Wally” A. Emmerich, 67, of Westboro, passed away on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau.

A memorial service for Wally will take place at 12 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, with Father Julian Druffner officiating. Visitation will take place at Good Shepherd Catholic Church on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026 from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 12 p.m.

Wally was born to Earl and Lea (Kellnhofer) Emmerich in Medford on Oct. 9, 1958. He attended Holy Rosary Catholic School and graduated from Medford High School. He married Elaine Yanko on Aug. 14, 1981 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. They lived in Medford, before moving to Westboro in 2005. He worked for Doberstein Lumber, Weather Shield, Rodney Christianson, Armin Buehler, and Melvin Company. He also owned and operated Spoke and Sprocket Bike Shop.

He was an active member of Black River Rock Dodgers and Westboro Sno-Duster snowmobile clubs. He was president of the Taylor County Snowmobile Counsel. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, and taking the road less traveled. In retirement, he kept busy tinkering in his shop, woodworking, and riding on the trails in his UTV and ATV. Wally enjoyed telling tales of his youth. His stories would have you laughing for hours. He was a friend to all he met and was willing to help anyone who needed it.

Wally is survived by his wife, Elaine; sons, Scotty (Crystal Rausch) Emmerich, of Milwaukee, and Marcus (Sara) Emmerich, of Medford; grandchildren, Preston Bunkelman, of Kronenwetter, and Dylan, Rylee, and Brayden Emmerich, of Medford; siblings, Sharon (Bruce) Wells, Starla (Brad) Ruesch, Dan (Peggy) Emmerich, Gayle (Bill) Thums, Rusty (Barb) Emmerich, DiAnn (Tom) Rindt, Connie (John) Hemmer, Randy (Tammy) Emmerich, Brian Emmerich, and Terry (Tammy) Emmerich; siblings-in-law, Johanne (Wayne) Bowling, Mary (John) Mullen, Fran Woyak, Frank Jr. (Luanne) Yanko, Jan (Frank) Waszkiewicz, Joyce Yanko, Myrna (Don) Schwartz, Terri Yanko, Dorathy (Gary) Nelson, Sue (Chris) Peterson, Becky (Jim) Rindt, and Donna (Scott) Wojcik.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Lea; parents-in-law, Frank Sr. and Ann Yanko; brothers-in-law, Jim Yanko and Dave Woyak.

Paid Obituary 178252