Ema Lea Schelke

Ema Lea Schelke
Ema Lea Schelke, 85, passed away September 18, 2025. She was born in Bad Axe, MI, January 17, 1940, to Lawrence and Elizabeth (Golding) Schelke.
Ema Lea graduated from Bad Axe High School in 1958, received her bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University in 1962, and her master's and doctorate degrees from Wayne State University. She taught English at Trenton Public Schools, retiring after 40 years of service.
Throughout her teaching career, Ema Lea held a variety of titles including being the National Education Association State Director for Michigan, chairperson of the Professional Standards and Practices Committee for the Michigan Education Association (MEA) and the National Education Association NEA,) member of the National Education Research Policy and Priorities Board for the U.S. Dept. of Education, member of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education Board, and a member of the Kellogg Foundation of Michigan Middle Start Advisory. Ema Lea was inducted into the Trenton Educational Wall of Fame in 2018. Additional awards include Michigan Secondary Teacher of the Year, and MEA Connie Jackson Multi-Cultural Award. She was one of two teachers invited to the inauguration of President George H.W. Bush.
Upon retirement, Ema Lea was quite possibly busier than during her career. She volunteered as a docent tour guide for the Detroit Institute of Art taking her of teaching from the classroom to the museum. She enjoyed meeting art lovers from all over the world and sharing her knowledge of the pieces displayed. She appreciated all the arts and attended the Detroit Symphony season after season. She was a regular at the Fisher and Fox Theatres enjoying all performances.
Beyond her professional accomplishments. Ema Lea was a loving daughter, supportive sister, loyal friend, trusted colleague, and doting aunt. She valued the time she spent with the people she loved.
She left countless memories which will be cherished by her siblings, Jill (Mike) Terrill, Jack (Phyllis) Schelke, Don (Tamie) Schelke, Richard (Guylynn) Schelke; and sister-in-law, Darlene Schelke; brother-in-law, Jim Hicks; and many nieces and nephews.
Ema Lea l was preceded in death by her brother, Larry Schelke; sisters, Laurel Klump Hicks and Ann Schelke; and in-laws, William Klump, Arthur Tank, and Gloria Schelke.
Services will be held Monday, September 22, 2025. Visitation will occur from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with service beginning at 12 p.m. at MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe, MI.
Memorials can be made out to:
Bad Axe High School or Trenton High School to fund scholarships
Alzheimer's Association