Cherie Emmick

1941 - 2025

Cherie Emmick

August 26, 1941 - October 25, 2025

Cherie Rae (Lillie) Emmick, 84, of Bettendorf, Iowa, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving daughters.

Born on August 26, 1941, to Frances Wilma (Asmussen) Lillie and Edwin Stinson Lillie, Cherie was welcomed into a nurturing Christian home in Sioux City, where her faith and values were deeply rooted. A proud graduate of Sioux City East High School in 1959, Cherie was an active member of The Rainbow Girls and shone brightly in precision and tap dancing, reminiscent of The Rockettes, showcasing her passion and talent for performance. She continued her education at Edwards Business School, earning a certificate which laid the foundation for her dedicated career. In her younger years, Cherie's life was profoundly shaped by her younger sister Dawn's traumatic accident at age 11, an event that limited Dawn's mobility and strengthened Cherie's commitment to family and community. She poured her heart into raising her three daughters, fostering deep connections with them and cultivating lifelong friendships with her cherished "girlfriends". These bonds, often nurtured over coffee at Sunshine Bakery, around kitchen tables, by poolside, or through hours-long phone calls, were a cornerstone of her life, filled with laughter, support, and unforgettable moments. In 1984, with her daughters growing, Cherie returned to the workforce, embarking on a meaningful career at SCI (Sioux City and Davenport Memorial Park, Dignity Memorial, Runge's Mortuary) and Rosewood Care Center. Her servant's heart shone through as she worked with children, adults, and seniors, teaching public service safety programs and offering compassion to those navigating loss and life's transitions. Known for her approachable and empathetic nature, Cherie touched countless lives with her warmth and wisdom. Cherie's humor, wit, and endearing clumsiness made her a beloved figure to family, friends, and colleagues. Her self-effacing charm and spunky spirit brought joy to every gathering. She was a devoted daughter, caring for her mother in her later years, and a proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Cherie cherished cheering on her daughters at rodeos and softball games and later celebrating her granddaughters' rowing crew achievements or simply picking them up from school for a special snack. Birthdays and holidays were grand affairs under her care, creating cherished memories for her family, alongside hilarious vacations with "just mom and us girls." A woman of subtle yet steadfast faith, Cherie was raised and baptized at St. James Methodist Church in Sioux City, where she also baptized her daughters. Her favorite scripture, Psalm 23, provided her comfort throughout her life, especially in her final days. In her later years, Cherie faced Alzheimer's disease with grace, though it gradually dimmed the vibrant woman her family knew and loved. Despite the challenges of the past six to eight years, her legacy of love, wit, spunk, and generosity endured to the end, and transformed the hearts of all who knew her.

Cherie is survived by her three daughters, Carrie Schouten (Mark), Lori Larson (Mark Frontzak), Shannon Muckenfuss (Brian); her two granddaughters, Sophia Muckenfuss (Adam Wellman) and Ellie Rodruck (Alex); and great-grandson, Beau; and her step grandson, Will Schouten (Katie) and two step great-grandsons, Luke and Liam; and a circle of friends who will forever treasure her memory. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frances (2017) and Edwin (1994); Lillie, and her sister, Dawn (2018); and son-in-laws, Scott William Reynolds (1989) and Brian David Muckenfuss (2025).

A visitation was held at The Runge Mortuary & Crematory in Davenport, Iowa, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. A private family service was held prior to visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family requested memorials be made to Heartland Hospice Services, 5139 Utica Ridge Rd Ste A, Davenport, IA 52807-3062, who served her and her family so well in her last days.

Cherie Rae Emmick was a loving, kind, fun-loving, spunky, generous, and beautiful soul whose light will continue to shine in the lives she touched. May she rest in peace, guided by the words of Psalm 23, which she held so dear.

The Runge Mortuary and Crematory

838 East Kimberly road, Davenport, Iowa 52807

(563)391-6202