Arden and Donna Emmerich

Arden James Emmerich, 91, and Donna Mae Emmerich, 91, both of Mosinee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully within days of each other—Donna on Saturday, April 4, 2026, and Arden on Wednesday, April 8—surrounded by love and now reunited for eternity.

Lifelong partners they met in 1952, at a 4-H roller skating party in Rothschild, where Arden crashed the event with friends and spotted the prettiest girl on the floor, Donna. A year later they married, building 73 years together, marked by their March 12, 2026, anniversary.

Arden, born in Mosinee to James and Elva Emmerich and raised on a nearby farm, shouldered family responsibilities early after his father's plane crash when Arden was 6 years old. Donna, born in Wausau to Elroy and Dorthea Utecht and raised on a Town of Maine dairy farm, brought warmth and tireless energy to their life in Mosinee.

Arden graduated from UW-Stevens Point in chemistry and paper science, starting at Mosinee Paper Corporation before launching Hom Mart Realty with Donna in 1973. Together they built Emmerich Properties into one of central Wisconsin's largest residential and commercial landlords, with Arden also running construction companies, gas stations, a trailer park, fuel delivery, and ginseng/Christmas tree farming. Donna managed leasing, lawn care, and merchandising, and delighted customers for 20 years at their family's Christmas tree farm.

Arden loved work's possibilities, advocating for small businesses as president of state builders and realtor associations. He skied with Rib Mountain Patrol for 20 years, flew his plane, golfed, rode horses, hunted, danced, and walked Mosinee's streets greeting neighbors.

Donna cherished dancing, travel, her flower garden, feeding the birds, reading, playing cards, and daily walks that brightened everyone's day—her homemade chocolate chip cookies a family favorite.

Together, they raised four children, and their lives were guided by a deep love of family that remained their highest priority.

Active for 73 years at Mosinee United Methodist Church, they served faithfully and helped others, from tenants to church family. Longtime members of Wausau Country Club and Indian Head Golf Course, they gathered often with friends.

To continue their Legacy of community support, Arden and Donna established a charitable fund in 2015 through the Community foundation of Central Wisconsin. Emmerich Properties Charitable Trust each year awards grants to local organizations that promote education, youth development and assistance for those in need.

They are survived by Ardens sister, Marita Wagner (Appleton); sister-in-law Gwen Emmerich (Menomonee Falls); And Donnas Siblings; Shirley Baumann (Summit Lake), Burnell and Jeanette Utecht (Town of Maine), Nancy Chervenka (Neenah), Michael and Mary Utecht (Cicero, IN); children Jeff and Heddy Emmerich (Norwich, CT), Susan Lang (Wausau), Cheryl and Tim Paulson (Mosinee), daughter-in-law Jan Knox (Columbia Falls, MT), family friend Roger Lang (Wausau); grandchildren Madelin Lang, Jake Lang, McKenna Emmerich, Ben Paulson, Michael Grillo, family friend Danni Niles; great-grandchildren Mason, Rowan, Tristin, Oona; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceded in death by son Scott Emmerich (2018).

A joint celebration of their lives will be held at 11:00 a.m., on June 26, 2026, at the Mosinee United Methodist church, Mosinee. Pastor Timothy Gurlea will officiate. Burial will take place at Mosinee Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m., until the time of service, all at the church. Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.bestefh.com.

In their honor, consider helping someone in need, feeding the birds, planting flowers, or baking cookies.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau, for their wonderful and compassionate care of Donna and Arden.