Emil Holmberg

Funeral services for Emil Holmberg were held on Saturday, July 17, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at the Prairie View Gospel Barn in Gregory, SD, with Pastor Allan Bouslaugh officiating.

Music was provided by the congregation, accompanied by Bette Fogel, pianist. Barb Matucha and Carleen Baumgartner were in charge of registration.

Casket bearers were Jerry Holmberg, Dean Holmberg, Rick Miens, Shaw Winters, Nash Winters, Devin Andersen and Owen Winters. Honorary casket bearers were all of Emil’s friends.

Burial was in the IOOF Cemetery in Gregory, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Emil Jerry Holmberg was born on September 30, 1943. He was the third child of seven born to Emma (Simunek) and Carl Holmberg. He attended a one room school through his eighth grade year. He then received a high school diploma through a correspondence course.

Emil and Gwen Klinger were married on October 27, 1962.

Emil was a hard worker. He worked at Tilton’s, owned his own mechanic shop in Dallas, and then owned Emil’s Service for fifteen years. After his stroke in 1980, he advanced to an advisory position, keeping everyone busy ever since. He had many hired helpers. His left hand was his wife, and when she was unavailable, he had a plethora of family, neighbors and friends.

Emil enjoyed spraying thistles, fixing fence and especially mowing. Emil would mow on Saturday nights so he could wave at whomever was going to Carlock. After he wasn’t able to mow, he would survey others lawns commenting on who was keeping their lawns mowed and who needed to mow.

Emil had a big wave and smile for everyone. He would stop everything just to wave. When Gwen would ask who was that, his usual reply was “I don’t know.”

Emil passed away at home on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at the age of 77 years.

He is survived by his wife Gwen and their four children: Jerry, Hajo, Dean (Bernadine), Jana (Kip) Winters, and Dawna Andersen; two brothers, Ken and Dennis; two sisters, Darlene Shattuck and Nancy Osgood; sister and brother-in-laws, thirteen grandchildren, two greatgrandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Emil was preceded in death by his mother and father, two brothers Norbert and Francis, and a daughter, Lori.