Roger Dennis "Denny" Emrick

1936 - 2010

Roger Dennis "Denny" Emrick, 74, of Valley City, died Wednesday morning, Oct. 6, 2010 at Illini Hospital in Pittsfield.
He was born Jan. 12, 1936, in Valley City, son of the late Harry and Vivian Frances Dennis Emrick.
He married Mary Ann Criley on Dec. 31, 1955, in Griggsville, and she preceded him in death on Dec. 22, 1995.
Surviving are two daughters, Elizabeth Anne Emrick-Capps ( husband, Berry) and Brenda Kennedy (husband, Robert) all of Griggsville; a son, John Emrick (wife, Anna) of Griggsville.; his devoted companion of many years, Ann Schaefer of Valley City; nine grandchildren, Chanda Carr (husband, Michael) of Pawnee, Manda Martin (husband, Mike) of Jacksonville and Patrick Spurgeon of Springfield, Cullen Hoos (partner, Hairold Gregory) of Chatham, Nathan Emrick (wife, Krystal) of Carterville, Daman Emrick of Carbondale, Lacy Emrick of Griggsville, Brandon Capps of Nebo and Gentry Capps of Austin, Texas; five great-grandchildren, Tabitha Winner of Barry, Myesha Spurgeon of Springfield, Griffin Martin of Jacksonville and Bode Carr of Pawnee, Ava Capps of Austin, Texas; one brother, Harry Emrick (wife, Neva Sue) of Quincy; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; a grandson, Benton Criley Kennedy; and twin sisters in infancy.
Denny was a 1954 graduate of Griggsville High School and attended Western Illinois University. He was a former employee of Caterpillar in Peoria, Stateville Prison in Joliet, Jacksonville State Hospital in Jacksonville and was owner/operator of The Bird Cage Restaurant in Griggsville. In 1971 Denny founded Emrick Insurance Agency in Griggsville. He loved collecting Indian relics and was an authority on the subject and had one of the largest collections in the area. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and his companion Ann's children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday at the Airsman-Hires Chapel in Griggsville. Burial will be at Griggsville Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Griggsville Cemetery, Ronald McDonald House or Griggsville-Perry Athletic Boosters all c/o Airsman-Hires Chapel, Box 341 Griggsville, Il. 62340. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.airsman-hires.com.