Emma L Lemon

Emma Lou Lemon 87, passed away Tuesday, April 26, 2016 in Kankakee. She was born Emma Louise Opperman, at home on her family farm near Lincon, IL on December 18, 1928, the daughter of George and Emma (Begolka) Opperman. She graduated from Lincoln Community High School as co-valedictorian. She graduated from Illinois State University where she met her husband Alan Lemon. They were married August 14, 1949 at St. John United Church of Christ in Lincoln. He preceded her in death on December 24, 2002. She taught school for 27 years, the last 20 years at Grant Park Elementary School. After retiring , she started doing volunteer work. She was a life member and past president of the Riverside Medical Center Auxiliary. She served on the Kankakee Valley Women’s Symphony for over 25 years and was a past president. She also was a life member of the Kankakee Historical Society, member and past president of the Tuesday Book review, and a member and past board member of the Kankakee Women’s Club. She belonged to three study groups – Minerva, Crusaders, and Twentieth Century Club, serving as president of each. She and her husband received the Samaritan of the Year Award from Riverside Medical Center in 1992 where she had volunteered over 6000 hours. She received the Outstanding Volunteer award for Kankakee County in 2011. She was a member of the Riverside Foundation Board and Senior Living Board. She enjoyed being with her family, golfing, playing bridge, reading, crossword puzzles, and traveling. She and her husband visited all 50 states, all provinces of Canada, many European countries, and most of the Caribbean islands. They especially enjoyed cruising, taking 29 cruises. Surviving are one son Steven (Connie) Lemon of Bourbonnais, grandchildren; Eric Lemon of Bourbonnais, Chris (Amanda) Gainey of St. Louis, Kara (Matt) Blanchard of Denver, CO and Nichole (Justin) Rogers of Littleton, CO. She is also survived by six great grandchildren, Annabel and Addison GAiney, Jonny, Jackie and Jonah Rogers and Lulu Blanchard; one sister Jewell (George) Zook of Jacksonville, IL one sister-in-law; Ruth Opperman of Lincoln, IL several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alan, her parents, a brother George Opperman, sister and brother-in-law Donnabelle (Harold) Pech and a nephew. Emma Lou was a member of St. John United Church of Christ, Kankakee, where services will be held. Visitation will be at Schreffler Funeral Home, Kankakee Chapel Friday, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John United Church of Christ with Rev. Barb Lohrbach officiating. Burial will be at the Thawville Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Riverside Medical Center, St. John United Church of Christ or Hospice of Kankakee Valley. Please visit Schrefflerfuneralhomes.com to sign Emma Lou’s online guestbook.

Emma L Lemon

December 18, 1928 - April 26, 2016

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Emma L Lemon

December 18, 1928 - April 26, 2016

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

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About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

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