Emmett Eugene Fleming

Emmett Eugene Fleming, age 87, resided in Oak Brook, Illinois, formerly in Inverness and Woodstock. He entered into eternal life on Tuesday, July 9th, 2024. He lived his life in service and love of God, his family and his friends. Emmett was married to his wife Nancy Susan Fleming (nee Thalmann) for 54 years. They were blessed with 3 daughters: Karen (David) Groppel, Colleen (Christopher) Hanna and Cathy Fleming. He was a beloved grandfather to Emily, Monica, Justin, Nathan and Conor. He also loved his many nieces and nephews and other extended family members as well. He worked for many years as a teacher and school administrator in both Illinois and Arkansas.
Emmett loved being outside, doing yardwork, and gardening. He also loved sports all of them: baseball, basketball, football, hockey, golf etc. After marrying Nancy, Emmett was converted into a Cubs fan. He always cheered for the Chicago Bears, but his favorite love in sports was The University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football. He rarely missed watching a game.
Emmett was servant-hearted to the core. He regularly checked in on friends and family in need. He not only gave prayers and encouragement, but would give the gift of his presence and practical support as well. He did all these things humbly and quietly. He volunteered for several decades bringing communion to the homebound and those in nursing homes. He saw in each of them his own parents and cared for each person very personally. He and Nancy did jail ministry and would visit imprisoned immigrants, but one of his favorite services was working in funeral planning ministry at their parish and bringing comfort to those who mourned.
His deep love was for his family. He loved spending time with Nancy, their girls and their families. He enjoyed attending any event that he could for his grandchildren, whether it was a play, concert, athletic event, graduation, sacrament etc. He relished the times his family was altogether and loved to spoil his grandchildren, especially with sweet treats and chocolates!
He was a man of virtue and honesty. He had a wonderful sense of humor, a gift with people and a deep, but quiet faith in God. He carried his rosary with him at all times, and faithfully lifted in his prayers all those he knew in need. While his passing will be greatly grieved here, we do not grieve without hope, entrusting Emmett to God, for whom he so faithfully lived his life. Emmett is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Nora Fleming, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Peter and Mary Thalmann, his first wife Alberta Fleming (nee Lukowitz), his daughter Cathy Fleming, his sister Anna Catherine Fleming, his brother Mick and his wife Barb, his brother Bob, and his brother Vince and his wife DG, and many other dear relatives and friends.
A visitation will be held at Holy Family Catholic Community 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, July 17th. A funeral mass will follow at 10:30 AM. Interment will be at 11:00 AM on July 18th at St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery in Penfield, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association and Holy Family Catholic Community.