Pieter Van Emmerik
April 1, 1935 - February 11, 2011
Pieter Van Emmerik
Our father, brother, grandfather and uncle passed away February 11, 2011, from a fall at his home. He had been ill for some time while taking care of his wife who recently passed away .
He was born April 1, 1935, in Dordrecht , Holland, to Paulus Arie and Jannegie Wilhelmina Kuiters Van Emmerik. He emigrated to SLC with his parents, twin brother and sister in 1949. He served honorably in the United States Air Force until March, 1960. He married the love of his life, Sonja Wilcox Van Emmerik on June 15, 1956, together they raised six beautiful children. He loved his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his twin brother Paul with all of his heart. He enjoyed drawing, which he was very talented at, building wood replica boats, riding motorcycles with his wife and sons, and singing to Frank Sinatra . He enjoyed taking his family fishing whenever he could. He was known for his champion Labradors, which he bred and trained for many prominent businessmen here in Salt Lake City and elsewhere. He retired from Kennecott Copper after 30 years of service. He got bored right after retiring from Kennecott, and went on to work for Wackenhut as a Security officer and Bank One as a courier which he later retired from.
He leaves behind his twin brother, Paul (CA); twin sons Rod (Linda) Van Emmerik, Paul (Lori) Van Emmerik; daughters Laina (Patrick) Murphy, Janie Willden, Sonja (Clay) Peterson, Stephanie (Ernest) Jensen; 16 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; very special nephews Case Van Wyngaarden and Russell Van Emmerik; other nieces and nephews; and special friends Gary Mudrock and Wendell & Sharon Sheriff. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Sonja; brothers, Ruel and Jan; and sister Nellie Van Wyngaarden.
In accordance with his wishes, Pieter was cremated and private family services were held. He will later be laid to rest at Wastach Lawn Memorial Park.
In Loving Memory
Dad, very sad to see you go so soon. I know you are in Heaven with Mom who you missed so much and I know how lonely you were without her... I love you so much,.. I will so miss our conversations we had and our jokes we told each other.. Who am I going to call and laugh with when we watced "our" late night comedy shows... You kinow one of your favorite saying you said... "IF'S AND NUTS WERE CANDY AND NUTS, WE'D ALL HAVE A MERRY XMAS... This was one of the best sayings.. I will miss coming down from Idaho to cook my "gourmet" meals that you loved so much... I know how much you loved all of us and the good times we had as well as all the Fishing adventuresn we went on.. Love you so, so much and will never forget all the good times.. Love you.. Janchie
Janie Van Emmerik Willden
Idaho Falls, Id
Sorry to see a good man and a man that was always part of my life growing up. Thought the world of you & sonja. Never forget the times growing up with you're family, Rod, Paul and the girls. LOVE YA BOB
Bob McClellan
Salt Lake, Ut
I am so so so sorry to hear of your loss. I know that he has crossed over into the loving arms of his wife, and that one day your whole family will have the opportunity to meet again. The heavens have been taking many angels and he will always be with you inside your heart. One day you will have the opportunity to meet again.
Mischon Severson
Rock Springs, Wy
Dad, it has been a week since you have been gone. It seems like eternity!!! I see your picture and it so reminds me how happy you and mom were together. All the times you made me laugh, you always cracked me up!!!! I want to come and visit you after work and you are not there, it's so strange that you and mom are both gone so soon!!!!! We are all lost without you!!!!! You always made us laugh, we kids have all such wonderful memories of growing up!!!! I remember I would sit in mom's chair and you would look at me and say " IT SURE IS STRANGE THAT MOM IS NOT HERE!!!" And I would resond to you, yes dad it's very strange..not real...But now you are gone and I cannot tell you that is very strange and not real it seems..I wish I could bring you and mom back and make you all better!!!! Thanks for being a wonderful father-inlaw to Ernie..he loved you dearly and always loved doing things for you around your house...you were truly his best-friend...and you were mine too!!!! I just wish I could tell you I Love You!!! I know you know that I do!!!!! Until we meet agian DAD!!!!! Your daughter Steph and Ernie..
Stephanie and Ernie Jensen
Sandy, Ut
Steph and Family As you comprehend this profound loss, let yourself cry knowing each tear is a note of love rising to the heavens. God bless....
Tawnie Jensen
Queen Creek, AZ
Please accept our deepest condolences in the passing of both your wonderful Mom and Dad. They will forever hold a special place in my heart. They were well loved by my Mom and Dad as well as myself. They will be missed by never forgotten. With Love and Sympathy to "my cousins" Roberta and Joe Manganaro
Roberta and Joseph Manganaro
Old Tappan, Nj
Dad...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! We sure wish you were here to celebrate your birthday with us....we miss your laugh, your talks and we miss your smile!!!!!! There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you...You are missed so dearly...I have such great childhood memories that will stay with me forever!!!!! Sure miss you Dad!!!!!!!! Love you!!!!!!!
Stephanie Jensen
Sandy, Ut
What a joy to find someone else who tihkns this way.
Keys
nNLzwaxVLvFAPslLk, kk