Kenneth (Moose) Emery, age 87, of Mt. Carroll, died Saturday, February 18, 2012 at FHN Memorial Hospital, Freeport. Memorials in lieu of flowers for the Mt. Carroll Ambulance Association and the Mt. Carroll United Methodist Church.
Ken was born, May 12, 1924 in Mt. Carroll, the son of Chester and Beulah (Wade) Emery. He is a Mt. Carroll High School graduate with the Class of 1942. Ken was a Staff Sergeant in the US Army, serving from March of 1943 to February of 1946. Ken served with the 75th Division, Co G291. He was in the Battle of the Bulge. His Division was called the Diaper Division as they were only 18 & 19 years of age. His squad was awarded the Bronze Star for patrolling ahead for another Division prior to the Battle of the Bulge. On November 20, 1949, Ken married Mary Jean Williamson. They celebrated 62 years of marriage.
Ken worked for King’s Service Station, Frey Construction and Interstate Power Co., retiring from Alliant Energy. He received his Diploma for Practical Lineman from the International Correspondence School in 1959. Ken was a sixty- year member of the Mt. Carroll American Legion Post#67, the Mt. Carroll Cyrus Masonic Lodge #188 and a past member of the Mt. Carroll City Council. He was a member of the Mt. Carroll United Methodist Church, serving on many committees. He was a member and Past President of the Mt. Carroll Lions Club, member and Past President of the Mt. Carroll School Board.
Ken was a good athlete, he played football, basketball, track, tennis, baseball and golf. Ken liked the out-of-doors,he fished and hunted since he was a young man. He loved watching sports, especially when his grandchildren were playing. Ken and Mary Jean went to reunions with the US Army, 75th Division and Co G 291st. They travelled to many states for the reunions and to Mexico. They enjoyed being with his comrades and their spouses.
Kenneth will be dearly missed by his wife, Mary Jean Emery of Mt. Carroll; one daughter, Debora (Scott) Gallentine of Mt. Carroll; one granddaughter, Jennifer (James) Haas; one grandson, Drew Gallentine; and four great grandchildren, Devon, Kendyll, Bradyn and Harper. Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Marie, Helen and Irene.