Emerson Duane Schwenk

June 13, 1928 - March 7, 2010

Emerson Duane Schwenk was born on the south divide of Wauneta, Neb., to George and Leona (Buffington) Schwenk Paustian on June 13, 1928. He passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2010 at his home just across the road from where he was born.

Emerson attended District No. 17 school through the 8th grade and then attended high school in Wauneta, graduating with the class of 1945. He farmed with his Dad on the family farm, did some painting and was a mail carrier.

On June 12, 1949, he married Joyce Kitt at Mt. Zion Methodist Church, South of Wauneta. They were married 60 years. To this union four children were born, Rhonda, Janet, Matt and Nick.

He was a farmer, rancher and co-owner operator of the Imperial auction market for numerous years. He loved being around people and often wished he had written a book about his memories of the different people he met.

He was a member of the Odd Fellows where he sang in a quartet that performed for various community functions. Lydia Sinner accompanied them. Emerson also sang in the "Kitt Quartet" with Paul Kitt and brother-in-laws Dean and Neil. They were accompanied by the lovely and talented Joyce Schwenk.

He played softball on the South Divide team and enjoyed fishing, but the sport of his life was golf.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, George Peter and Louisa Schwenk and Frank and Carrie Buffington; father, George and brother-in-law, Donald Denker.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce; his mother, Leona Paustian; daughters, Rhonda (Lynn) Brunkerhorst and Janet (Rich) Keiser; sons, Matt (Tammy) Schwenk and Nick Schwenk; sister, Joan Denker; nephew, Kurt Denker; niece, Michelle Sis.; grandchildren, Kari (Brian) Sprenger, Neil (Sara) Brunkerhorst, Raelyn (Kyle) Baker, Aaron and Brennan Keiser, Katie, Kasey and Kody Schwenk; and great-grandchildren, Logan and Noah Brunkerhorst, Peyton and Taylor Sprenger.

Funeral services for Emerson are today, 2 p.m., at the Wauneta Methodist Church with Pastor Judy Dye officiating.

Piano and organ music provided by a CD recorded by Lucille McBride and Diana Ham.

Hymn selections are from a 1949 recording of male singers that Emerson sang with.

Casketbearers are Kasey Schwenk, Neil Brunkhorst, Kyle Baker, Brian Sprenger, Aaron and Brennan Keiser. Honorary casketbearers are George Pearson, Tom Kiplinger, John Metzger, Terry Nichols, Rolland Fortkamp, Terry Bilka, Carol Burge and Vaughn McBride.

Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Wauneta, with Liewer Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.