Waunita Emken

WAUNITA EMKEN

Cedar Rapids

Waunita Mae Emken, 80, of Cedar Rapids, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017. A celebration of life service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Mark's United Methodist Church by Pastor Bonnie Koeppen and Pastor Carol Brown. Friends also may visit with the family following the service until noon and have light refreshments. Burial: Aurora Cemetery, Aurora, Neb.

Waunita is survived by her son, Steven Emken (Deb Woods) of Cedar Rapids; grandson, Ross Emken of Swisher; two granddaughters, Kinsey (Leighton) Hill of Cedar Rapids and Kaitlyn (Austin) Hill of Laurel; son-in- law, Ray Hill of Marshalltown; and sister, Virgina Sawyer DeMuth of Grand Island, Neb.

Waunita was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin; daughter, Debbie Hill; grandson, Ryan Emken; and sister, Carol Lea Sawyer Widener.

Waunita was born Nov. 27, 1936, in Grand Island, Neb., the daughter of Virgil and Viola Mae Holloway Sawyer. She graduated from Grand Island Senior High School. She married Marvin Emken on Jan. 12, 1957, in Marquette, Neb. Waunita was a homemaker and loved taking care of her family.

Waunita was a Nebraska Cornhuskers fan and enjoyed watching their football games. She loved to spend time with her family. Waunita enjoyed arts and crafts, going out to eat and baking cookies. She and Marvin were members of the Mid-West Antique Gas Engine Club for many years.

The family would like to give a special thanks to her church friends for their continuous love and support over the years.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences can be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.