Donald Emler

Donald Emler

September 04, 1947 - January 09, 2024

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Donald “Don” O. Emler, 76, of Platteville, Wisconsin, died on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Memorial services will be at 3:00 PM, Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Westview Methodist Church, Platteville. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until the time of the service at the church. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, is serving the family. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Donald “Don” as many referred to him was born on September 4, 1947 in Boscobel, Wisconsin, son of Orris and Agnes (Puckett) Emler. He grew up in the Boscobel, Woodman area and graduated from Boscobel High School. He was united in marriage to Diane Gillespie on November 7, 1981 in Sheridan, Wyoming. Don worked many jobs and a general laborer and farm hand. It was his farm experience that took him from Wisconsin to Wyoming, where he met and married Diane. They later moved back to Wisconsin and in 2021 he and Diane retired to Platteville. As a young man he enjoyed fishing. He always enjoyed following his children and grandchildren in their school activities. He was an avid Wisconsin sports fan, following the Packer, Brewers, Bucks and Badgers.

He is survived by his wife, Diane; two children, Darren (Toni Richardson) Emler, Darcy (Joshua) Vanderpool; grandchildren, Sydney Gillespie, Tristan (Shae) Gillespie, Braden Helgeson, Lillian Emler, Brandon, Brianna and Brody Plowman, Tayler and Ashton Sorenson; two great-grandchildren, Kinsley Mae and Kohen Gillespie; one brother, William (Mary) Emler, sister, Deb Duve; sister-in-law, Karen Emler, Father-in-law Robert Gillespie, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Donovan Gillespie, granddaughter, Angelina Rose Emler, his parents, brother, Marvin and sister, Judy Carlin. 

 

 

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Bobbie Glendenning
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To the family of Don Emler I'm sorry for your loss. Don was a great husband, father and grandfather. I prayed for you all as soon as I heard of his passing. But when I personally think of Don I think of the year he had the heart surgery and then the stroke and then the day we were there when it looked like he was not going to make it then. But what I remember most was after he was put on the prayer chain just that night Pastor Paul went early the next morning and called me right back saying "We've got our miracle! Don is sitting up talking to me this morning!" And he lived on for these many years since. May we all meet him again around the throne of God in Heaven!
PD
Paula Dover
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I remember the day I first met you. I knew from that moment you were the best man for my friend, Diane. Then I got to meet you again later in life. It was evident from the moment we sat down at Kendrick park that the love you had for Diane was stronger. Your life was a blessing and refuge to all who knew you. May your family receive strength from knowing that no one loved them more than you. May your example shine on in their lives as they continue to share your legacy with others. 💝
VF
Vicki Flynn
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So sorry to hear about Don's passing. He was a great man

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