Emily Christina Picerne

Emily Christina (Rajek) Picerne, 40, passed away on September 28, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Born on July 1, 1985, to William Rajek and Ann Rajek Kleppe, Emily grew up in Wausau, Wisconsin. She attended Newman Catholic Schools from kindergarten through 8th grade and graduated from Wausau West High School in 2004. She later pursued her studies at Arizona State University.

On October 3, 2015, Emily married the love of her life, Derek Picerne, in Park City, Utah. Together, they built a beautiful life and were blessed with three sons: William (9), Luca (7), and Grayson (6). Emily’s greatest joy was being a devoted wife and mother, and she poured her heart into nurturing her family.

Emily is survived by her husband, Derek, and their three children; her mother and stepfather, Ann and Andrew Kleppe; her brother, Andrew Rajek (Nicole); her parents-in-law, David and Doreen Picerne; her sisters-in-law, Danielle Spahle (Nick), Dana Holt (David), and Dayle Picerne (John); as well as her aunts, uncles, many cousins, and 16 beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, William Rajek, and her grandparents, Raymond and Angeline Rajek and Bernard and Charlotte Hoppe.

A visitation will be held from 9 AM - 11 AM with a funeral service at 11 AM to be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018.

Emily brought color and light into the lives of all who knew her. Her kindness, laughter, and unwavering love will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends share a memory, poem, prayer, or note, which will be collected into a keepsake book for her children.