Terrill Wayne Emerich's Obituary
Terry Emerich passed away at his home of 45 years in Spring Valley, December 14, 2022 at the age of 86. He had been battling a long term illness and had recently been under Hospice Care.
Terry was born April 9, 1936 in Merrill, Wisconsin to Carlos and Eunice Emerich. He married Norma Lee Hutton on August 17, 1985 and they enjoyed 37 years together until her death on Aug. 31, 2022.
Terry was a sixty-eight year resident of San Diego, California where he lived since leaving his childhood home in Merrill, Wisconsin at the age of eighteen. He graduated in 1954 from Wausau High School. He was very involved with music, sang in the school choir, performed in the school orchestra and competed in many music festivals and competitions where he won awards for his vocal and piano performances . After his move to San Diego, he attended San Diego State College (now SDSU). He received a BA in History in 1958 and went on to earn a General Education Secondary Teaching Credential at San Diego State College. He taught history, English and music at Lewis Junior High in Allied Gardens for 30 years before his retirement.
Terry loved gardening and just tinkering around his yard. He recorded and listened to music and old radio programs. He was also an avid watcher of football, especially his beloved Green Bay Packers and SDSU Aztecs football team, the latter which he held season tickets for many years. Terry’s biggest love however was his family. He loved celebrating birthdays and holidays with his two sisters, Judy and Brenda and their husbands. He also enjoyed family get-togethers with his other side of his family, whether it be in County Parks or in one of the homes of his step-daughters. Terry also supported charities in his communities, and always wanted to insure he contributed to feed the needy at Christmas.
He is survived by his sister, Judy Garcia (Raul) of Rancho Bernardo, CA; brother-in-law Wally Benson of Escondido; his daughter Terri Jo Williams of Portland Oregon; his step-daughter Bonnie Welch of La Mesa, CA; his step-daughter Barbara Smythe (David) of El Cajon, CA; seven step-grandchildren; nine step-great-grandchildren and six step-great-great grandchildren.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents; sister Brenda Benson; son-in-law, John Michael Welch; step-grandsons, David Mendoza, Matthew and Mark Welch; and step great-grandchildren Justice and Tishia Parker.
A viewing and visitation will be held at 10:00am in the Salli Lynn Chapel at Greenwood Memorial Park, San Diego, on Tuesday, December 27, 2022. The Celebration of Life Service will follow immediately at 11:00am in the Chapel concluding with a Committal Service and flower tribute at the grave site. The Reverend Rick Rojas will be officiating.
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