Emmett was born Jan. 1, 1927, to William and Mathilda Baerenwaldt Jahnke in Abrams, Wis. He graduated from high school in Oconto Falls, Wis. His father died in 1937 and his mother in 1950. Emmett remained working on the family farm after graduating from high school. He moved to Peck, Idaho in 1953 and worked on a farm with his brother. In 1958 he moved to Colfax, Wash. and worked as a carpenter building grain elevators and such.
He married Doris McLure Redmond Sept. 21, 1958. His business grew into a strong operation and Emmett was well known around Colfax for his carpentry skills. Doris died in 1980.
He married Ernestine Turner Meulbauer Jan. 1, 1984. She also preceded him in death in 1990.
He married Aileen Breth Tremel Aug. 20, 1993. Emmett semi-retired in 1990 and permanently retired in 1995.
He loved golf and did lots of work around the golf club fixing various building and bridges, etc. He was a member of the Elks Club and the Eagles Club, both of Colfax. He had a marvelous sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife, Aileen at their home in Colfax, Wash.; a son, William Carl Jahnke, Medical Lake, Wash.; stepchildren, Judith Sommerfeld, Oakesdale, Wash.; Shelley Organ, Colfax, Wash.; Mary Ann Birr, Vancouver, Wash.; Donna Green, Alto Loma, Calif.; Michael Tremel, Aurora, Ohio; Evelyn Rubio, Colfax, Wash.; Patricia Lopez, Cathedral City, Calif.; Verna Tremel, Carpentersville, Ill.; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two brothers Robert Jahnke, De Pere, Wis.; Curtis (Edith) Jahnke, Kendrick; two sisters, Irene Kollath, West Allis, Wis.; Ellen Anderson, Green Bay, Wis; two sisters-in-law Catherine Jahnke, Oconto; Beatrice Jahnke, West Allis; nieces, nephews and many friends.
In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Arthur, Bernard, William and Lloyd.
A memorial service was held Jan. 15, 2002 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Colfax, Wash. The Rev. Felix Lorge was the celebrant.