Emil W. Roesky Obituary (1931 - 2014)

Emil W. Roesky, Jr. passed away Friday, November 21, 2014 at his home in Coffeyville, KS. Emil was born July 5, 1931 to Emil W. and Cecil (Kinman) Roesky, Sr. at their home in Coffeyville, KS. He attended Lowell Grade School and graduated from Field Kindley High School in 1950. He attended also Coffeyville Junior College. He served his country during the Korean War with the U.S. Army Engineer Corp. in Inchon Harbor, Korea from 1952 to 1954. He proudly wore his Korean War cap, which led to many conversations with other veterans on his trips about town or while visiting his daughter in Fallon, NV. Emil married Amy Kiddoo, the love of his life on December 26, 1954. They had four children, Celia, Diane, Billy and Bob. He was an active member of the Presbyterian Church. He was also a member of the V.F.W. Post #1022 and the American Legion Post #20, Keystone Masonic Lodge #102 A.F. & A.M., serving as past Master, Scottish Rite in Fort Scott, Mirza Temple in Pittsburg, the Coffeyville area Chamber of Commerce and Coffeyville Aviation Historical Society and the Funk Flyers. Emil began working for his father at Liebert Brothers at the age of 6, where in 1967, he later became a partner. Besides working alongside his dad at Liebert Brothers, they spent a lot of working time at the Mullendore Ranch and Brown Mansion. He was often found working at local grocery stores keeping the freezers operational. He also spent a lot of hours at the Midland Theatre and Drive-in, keeping the machinery in good repair. He retired from Liebert Brothers in July of 1996. Most recently, he was the manager at the Coffeyville Aviation Museum where he spent most of his time and served as the tour guide. Emil was known as the "energizer bunny" among his friends. He believed in honesty, hard work, kindness and respect. In 2007, he was awarded the Citizen of the Year by the Coffeyville Area Chamber of Commerce, along with Boss of the Year. He was devoted to his family and to Coffeyville. He was always seen passing out Chamber brochures and Coffeyville pins to visitors in town and strangers on any out of town trips. As a cancer survivor of 20 years, he was an active participant in the Relay for Life. He made sure this year that he made the survivor walk, even though he was so weak. He was preceded in death by his parents and his two old year son, Billy. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Amy, daughters, Celia Witwer of Copan, OK and Diane Shamberger of Fallon, NV and son Bob Roesky and wife Robin of Coffeyville; grandchildren, Amy Stafford and family, Lori Isle and family, Jessica and, Will Shamberger, Matthew, Nicholas and Olivia Roesky, four great-grandchildren, a sister, Emilie Oldfield of Calhoun, GA and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Coffeyville, KS, with Pastor Diane Massey officiating. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, December 1, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, December 2, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The family has suggested memorials be made to the First Presbyterian Church and may be left at the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 N. Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.