Jerry Wayne Emmons
Jerry Wayne Emmons
Jerry Wayne Emmons passed into his eternal home on Sept. 28, 2025, at the age of 87. He was born Jan. 25, 1938, to William Oscar Emmons and Ada Hooten Emmons in Eufaula, Okla. In 1939, the family moved to the Casa Grande area of Arizona, then in 1941, to Bakersfield, Calif.
In 1957, he met and married Nancy Hartley. Over the next four years, Nancy and Jerry added two daughters, Barbara and Rebekah to the family. In 1963 he moved the family to Eureka, Calif. There, Jerry completed a master’s degree in Speech and Communications. He began teaching at College of the Redwoods in 1970 and retired from the college in 2000 after completing his last year as Interim Dean of Arts and Humanities.
In 2007, after living in Eureka 43 years, Jerry and Nancy moved to SaddleBrooke. Jerry, who loved playing golf, appreciated the warm weather in Arizona, where he could play almost every day, unlike the coastal coolness and rain in Eureka. Jerry began playing golf in his 20s and convinced Nancy to learn so they could travel and play golf, and through much of the 25 years of retirement, they played together.
Jerry was also a woodworker. He built cabinets, bookshelves, entertainment centers, desks, and whatever he thought a grandchild would want. Jerry ran two Avenue of the Giants marathons in Humboldt County in 1979 and 1980 after his recovery from injuries from a small plane crash.
Jerry was a student of the Bible and taught classes during most of his life whenever he had the opportunity. His study journals are filled with spiritual insights that the family will treasure.
Jerry is survived by his wife Nancy. They were married 68 years. He is also survived by two daughters, Barbara Morse (Greg), Rebekah Hubler (Chuck), five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, as well as his sister, Christine Dewbre, and numerous nieces and nephews and many special friends, who will treasure their memories of him.
Erika P. Williams
Erika P. Williams, nee Rode, 87, of Illinois. Beloved wife of the late Charles W. Williams. Devoted mother of Gerhard Richter Sr. and Reiner Richter, and stepmother of Joseph (Karen) Williams, Michael (Dawn) Williams, and Julie (John) Clark. Loving grandmother of Gerhard (Tammy) Richter Jr., Ryan, Nathan, and Edward Richter, and step-grandmother of Robert (Sonia) Williams, Cory (Danielle) Williams, Christopher (Zubie) Williams, Nick Williams, Anthony Williams, Alyssa (Reese) Hunter, and Allison (Brett) Westra. Caring great-grandmother of Alyssa, Diana, Savannah, Parisa, Sheyda, Caden, Grace, Piper, Jayden, Brandon, Austin, Brooks, Leeroy, and Ella. Cherished daughter of the late Emil and Erna Rode. Dear sister of Willi (Erika) Rode.
Memorial visitation and service were held on Oct. 30 at Ahlgrim Funeral Home, 330 W. Golf Road, Schaumburg, Ill. Funeral information or online condolences at www.ahlgrimfuneral.com or 847-882-5580.
Jim Reichard
Jim Reichard
With heavy hearts, we announce the unexpected passing of James (Jim) Reichard on Aug. 2, 2025. Jim, 76, died peacefully at home comforted by wife Lydia (Lyd), his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 57 wonderful years.
Born Feb. 27, 1949, Jim was the treasured son of Mae Rose (Tezak) and William Reichard. He grew up in Muskego, Wis. A graduate of John Marshall High School, Jim attended MATC and General Motors School for Mechanics.
Deeply connected to friends and business associates in Milwaukee, Jim began his career as an auto mechanic advancing to General Manager of Service for one of the largest dealerships in the city. Jim opened Reichard Motors with his father, becoming co-owner of three Yamaha and Honda dealerships. A talented computer programmer, Jim started JR’s Excavating, which he proudly turned over to grandson Brendon, retiring in 2013. Jim enjoyed hunting and silhouette shooting, competing, and shooting a perfect 40.
Moving to Arizona, Jim became a very active member of our SaddleBrooke Ranch (SBR) Community. An enthusiastic “jeeper,” he joined the board of SaddleBrooke’s Off Road Bunch (SOBs). He often called a jeep his desert snowmobile. Jim started the side-by-side RZR group at SBR. He enjoyed playing “Sheepshead,” a Wisconsin card game. Utilizing his computer skills, Jim designed and maintained Club Express websites for both the SaddleBrooke Jeep Club and Glasshoppers glass studio.
Cooking was Jim’s passion. He competed and judged for the Kansas City Barbeque Society, and enjoyed smoking brisket and ribs. He made homemade brats and sausage. His love of cooking centered around developing special recipes for Lydia, who suffers from Crohn’s. He always looked out for her and was Lydia’s personal chef.
Jim’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Always ready to lend a hand, Jim’s energy was infectious. His warm heart, wit, and easygoing spirit touched so many people, along with his smile and the sparkle in his eyes.
Jim is survived by wife Lydia; daughter Michelle Ehlers (Rob); son Craig Reichard (Brandee); grandchildren Brendon, Danielle, Rachel, and Rylee; sister Judy Martin (Joe); and brothers John Reichard (Michelle), Jeff Reichard (Joann), and Jerry Reichard (Debbie).
A Celebration of Life will be held in Jim’s honor on Dec. 19, 2025. A light barbeque dinner will be served in the SBR Ballroom from 3 to 5 p.m. Please email Lydia by Dec. 10 if you plan on attending (pouchrat@gmail.com).