Arlene H. Emery

Arlene Emery, 92, of St. Joseph, passed away on Thursday, October 27, 2016 while at home, surrounded by her loving children. Arlene was the bride and bedrock of her husband, Dr. Bill Emery, through over 67 years of marriage. Born on a beautiful farm in Arden, she was a graduate of St. Joseph High School, where she met her future husband – she was the hall monitor, and he was late for class. They married in 1946 and began their adventures together – Medical School in Ann Arbor, Residence in Flint, Army in Stuttgart before building a loving home near the hospital in St. Joe. Arlene was an integral part of the community, active in the First Congregational Church, Sarett Nature Center, the Palenske Library, and too many other civic organizations to number. She loved the arts, music, entertaining and gardening, and worked tirelessly to make St. Joe a better community. Bill and Arlene loved to travel and loved nature, whether on a golf course, out bird watching, or just driving down to Lion’s Beach.  Mostly, they loved to be together, enjoying each other’s company. In later years, they were a fixture on the bluff, watching the lake and the sunsets. In addition to her loving children Virginia (Greg) Heinerich, Thomas (Mary Ellen) Emery and Sarah (Amy) Emery, Arlene was very close to families her older sisters, Marge (Bill) Desenberg of Buchanan and Virginia (John) Globensky of St. Joseph. Joining in mourning Arlene’s death are the families of Louis and Cathy Desenberg, Margaret Ann Desenberg, James and Helen Desenberg, and Janet and Mark Globensky Zielke. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, October 31, 2016 at First Congregational Church, 2007 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. Dr. Robert Braman officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Luncheon will be provided following the service at the church. Friends may visit from 10 AM until the time of the service at the church. Memorials may be made to Sarett Nature Center or First Congregational Church. Those wishing to sign Arlene’s memory book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.