Emery Kiecker
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On September 29, 2020 @ 4:57 pm In 2020,Obituaries | 22 Comments
Emery A. Kiecker, age 86, of Burnsville, MN, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 28, 2020 in Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 3, at 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 151 E County Hwy 42, Burnsville, with visitation time from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Livestream of the service can be found on Good Shepherd’s website: http://goodshep.com/church/worship/liveworship/. Interment will be at 3:00 PM at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Fairfax, MN. Masks will be required, and social distancing maintained.
Emery was born on January 14, 1934 to Erdrich and Ida (Buboltz) Kiecker in Fairfax, MN. Becoming the fourth boy of seven children, Emery “broke the tie” for the boys in the family. Growing up on the farm across from the country church and school, Emery was always active, often taking care of Pastor’s animals or riding his dog around the farm. Throughout his childhood, he loved playing sports, particularly baseball. He was proud of his abilities as a catcher throughout high school and often would warm up pitchers from higher level leagues. Following his graduation from Fairfax High School, Emery enlisted in the Army with his good friend Sudsy and served honorably for two years, ending up in Japan as the Korean War was ending.
After returning to Minnesota, Emery worked multiple odd jobs, including one with Citizens State Bank for a year, where he helped his boss with things like filing papers, washing windows, and even taking his wife shopping in his new Cadillac. Emery loved that Cadillac and took his boss’s words of, “Save money, work hard, and you’ll get your own one day,” to heart. He finally bought one for himself in 2010.
Emery worked hard to get a Bachelor’s in teaching from Mankato before getting his Master’s in guidance and counseling. With that, he started his first job in Mazeppa, MN, where he taught and coached baseball. After that, Emery spent the majority of his career as a guidance counselor at Metcalf Junior High in Burnsville from 1966 until his retirement in 2000. He was always the steady hand, able to be the calming voice for teachers and students throughout his career. Emery had a talent for putting people at ease and getting them back on track.
Life was enriched for Emery after connecting with Sharleen Bleick. Knowing of each other growing up, Emery and Sharleen started dating after a night of dancing to the jukebox at the Hilltop bar. About a year later, they were united in marriage on June 2, 1962 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fairfax, MN.
Together, Emery and Sharleen went on cruises to St. Thomas and Alaska, and particularly enjoyed being a part of the card club with friends from church, which met once a month for 40 years. Emery and Sharleen settled in Burnsville; they were blessed with four children. Together, they lived a traditional family life and shared 58 years of marriage. He was dedicated to their church, Good Shepherd Lutheran, where Emery served as an usher for many years. During the summer, Emery loved painting houses with his buddy Ross and all the kids. Many great memories were made with the kids working with their dad. He loved his grandchildren and had a special gift with babies, they loved listening to him talk and make different sounds, which always produced a smile. He rarely missed a game or activity for any of the kids or grandkids, he was always there to support them. Family was important to Emery, and he enjoyed spending many holidays with everyone over the years.
He will be greatly missed by his wife, Sharleen; children, Bruce Kiecker, Amy (Kurt “Oly”) Kiecker-Olson, Todd (Tiffany) Kiecker, and Holly (Erick) Parsons; grandchildren, Killian, Kali, Lexi,
Aiden, Corey, Penelope, Charlotte, Duke, Derek, and Dane; sister, Gladys Wittenberg; brother-in-law, Orion Lokensgard; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Erdrich and Ida; brothers, Wilbert, Clarence (Ruth), and Melvin (Bernelda); sisters, Elda (Elmer) Hillman and Mildred “Milly” Lokensgard; and brother-in-law Oliver Wittenberg.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation proudly served and cared for the Kiecker family.
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So sorry to hear of Emery’s passing! Our deepest sympathy to the family.
Sharleen and family, I’m sure you have many wonderful memories to keep as you go through this sad time. You will be in our prayers. Sincerely, Norb and Bev Blumhoefer
I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Emery passing away. I will always remember his deep voice and that he was quick with a smile. May God comfort all of us and know he is in heaven. Love you all.
Sharleen so sorry to hear of Emery’s death. I didn’t know him well but it sounds as if he was a wizard with kids. They will share fond memories with you. My deepest sympathy and best wishes for you as you start this new phase of your life.
Shar, I was so sorry to hear about Em’s passing – you were so wonderful in your caring and love for him!
I know how much you and your family will miss him.
Many Hugs, Nancy
“Shar” as I recall Emery always affectionately called you, Bruce Amy Todd and Holly your spouses and children. My deepest sympathy to all of you. I too have fond memories of Emery and your dad. I do remember him making noises for babies to watch, I smiled when I read that. I remember grandma always talking about his baseball and seeing his things at her house when we went into what was his bedroom. His smile, his laughter, and his deep voice I will always remember. And I do remember his sisters frequently referring to him as their baby brother when we were about to take a picture of them together. I know you will miss him. God’s blessings to all of you. Laurie (Hillmann) and Louie Austvold and family.
I always loved and appreciated working with Em at Metcalf. Whenever I had a problem or situation with my ESL students I could rely on Em’s integrity, insights, and support.
May God guide you and give you strength to remember the gifts he shared.
So saddened to hear of Emery’s passing ..My sincere sympathies to Shar and the family …I only knew Emery through Ross Braland; Ross admired and trusted him as a brother..a truly faithful friend and colleague for many years. It was an inspiring experience to watch these two men honor each other with true friendship during the years I worked at Nicollet. RIP Emery
Shar and family, We are so sorry about Emery passing away. What a great guy,! Such a nice obituary about him. I’m sorry I can’t be there tomorrow but so nice I can watch the service on line! You took such good care of him these last couple of years as he kept getting worse. God bless you. With love and prayers for you, Lollie & Bud
Sorry to hear of Emery’s passing. I remember going Fairfax to watch him play baseball. He made my day when he gave me a slivered baseball with Tony Kubek’s signature I still have it yet today
Emery was a kind and gentle soul, and always in every circumstance a gentleman. With deepest sympathy from our family.
Shar and Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. May God surround you with a circle of love and caring. Love, June Scheer
My Deepest Sympathy Sharleen to you & Family. I know you will be missing him, but you are strong & have many friends. Was happy to have him with us on our reunion’s. My Prayers to you & Family.
Wrapping you in my heart with love. So sorry to hear of Uncle Emery’s passing. Prayers for all of you.
Shar….my deepest condolences to you and your family. I wasn’t able to attend Em’s service because of my illness, so I really appreciated being able to watch the funeral on livestream. I will be continuing to hold you close as you go through this time of getting used to your new status in life. I will be here any time you want to talk. Sending my love.
Sue
We are so sorry for your loss. We were glad to be able to attend the funeral online. Em will be missed by many of his Good Shepherd friends. We pray God will comfort you, Shar, and give you and your family strength during this time. May He keep you all in His loving arms.
I’m sorry for your loss and I’m sure he’s having a good time in heaven!
We are very sorry for your loss Shar. May all the good memories sustain you as you begin this healing journey.
I am very sorry to learn of Emery’s passing. As a former sixth grade teacher, I had many opportunities to work with him as we helped our students with the transition to Jr. Hi. I also taught summer school with him once or twice many, many years ago. He was great to work with. I had not seen him now for many years. So sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Remember all the special memories you had together. Emery is now catching for the Lord’s team and instructing those younger on his unique technique. God bless.
Louie Seesz
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. He was dearly loved.
“Nurse” Bev
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My deepest sympathy to the family, he will be missed greatly by all