Donald Franklin Emert's Obituary
Donald Franklin Emert, 97, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away March 12, 2024, at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Donald was born in Decatur on July 30, 1926, the son of Frederick and Hazel (Beedle) Emert. He served honorably in the United States Navy during World War II, including on an LST in the South Pacific, in the invasion of Okinawa, in the occupation of Japan, and on the battleship USS Iowa. He earned numerous medals, including Asiatic-Pacific Medal with 1 Star, American Area Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and Philippine Independence Medal. After his discharge from the navy, he began work as a pipefitter, retiring after many years from Staley’s. He married Aileen Dannewitz at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Decatur on April 10, 1948. Donald also raised horses and greatly enjoyed watching them race. He spent his free time working around the yard and spending cherished time with his family. He was a faithful member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Decatur.
Donald is survived by his wife Aileen; daughter Donna (Gary) Turner of Heyworth, Illinois; brother Leonard (Karen) Emert of Chesterfield, Missouri; sister, Hazel (Marvin) Althea Strode of GA; grandchildren Christopher Turner and Matthew Turner; great-grandchildren Gavin Turner and Jerzee Turner; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and one sister.
Visitation for Donald will be from 10am to 11am on Monday, March 18, at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home. Funeral service will begin at 11am in the funeral home. Burial in Graceland Cemetery with military rites will follow the service. Memorials may be directed to St. John's Lutheran Church. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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