Emerson Koetje

1939 - 2024

Emerson Koetje

Emerson Clyde Koetje passed away November 22nd 2024.
Emerson was born February 21, 1939, to John and Mina Koetje in Bellingham, WA.
He had five siblings: Paul, Mary Ann, Jack, Gloria and Tamara, and all were raised in the Skagit Valley. Emerson attended Mount Vernon High School where he met his beloved Barbara Jo DeMeyer at the age of 16, graduating together in1958.
Emerson and Barbara were married February 7, 1959, in Lynnwood and welcomed their son Matthew, followed by Gregory soon after. Emerson worked for his Dad at Western Lime, driving truck and working in the lime pit. In 1964 Em and Barb packed up their boys in their new, light blue, Ford Falcon and moved to Ellensburg where Em attended Central Washington State College, graduating in 1968 with a degree in Geography and Economics. After graduation, Em went to work for Burlington Northern and the family moved to the Seattle area. In 1972, Em had the opportunity to run the Prairie Farm for his dad in Darrington, managing 1,200 head of cattle. Em and Barb made their home here for the next 51 years. Emerson was proud to watch his boys work hard, play hard and participate in sports. In 1976, the family moved into town and purchased Darrington Auto Parts. Emerson was very involved in the community and was a member of the Darrington School Board and Lions Club. They loved to travel and celebrate "Friday Nights" with their friends the Robinsons, Galbraiths and Meeces. During this time the family started to grow, and each time a new grandchild was born, their name went up on the Auto Parts sign announcing their birth: John, Kara, Laura and Kyle Koetje and just like before he loved to watch them grow, work, and play hard.
After working the Auto Parts store together for 30 years, Em and Barb retired and traveled the world, continuing to enjoy all of their time spent together. In 2023, they moved to Stanwood to be closer to their boys and families. Emerson is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Barbara, sons and daughters-in-law; Matt (Susan) and Greg (Tracy) Koetje. Grandchildren: John (Katie), Kara (Jim), Laura (Taylor), and Kyle (Stephanie). Three great grandchildren: Luka, Lyla, and Hazel and her brothers, Landon and Mason. Also, his siblings: Jack Koetje, Gloria Camp and Tamara Conrad. He was predeceased by his parents John and Mina Koetje, and siblings Paul Koetje and Mary Ann Ford.
Emerson will be remembered for his love of family and family gatherings, his outrageous sense of humor, and being the life of the party.
A memorial reception will be held on Friday, January 17th, 2:00 pm at Hawthorne Funeral Home Reception Room,1825 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, WA. Donations may be made to the Darrington Community Center, PO Box 263, Darrington, WA 98241.

Please share your stories of Emerson and sign the online guest register at www.hawthornefh.com.