Emerson W. Pilaske

Emerson W. Pilaske, age 89 of Port Hope, passed away Thursday, May 12, 2022 at Covenant Healthcare in Saginaw. He was born on June 17, 1932 in Port Hope, to the late William and Ernestine (Schlaak) Pilaske. Emerson married the love of his life Irene Schubring, on October 26, 1957 in Port Hope. Emerson was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. He farmed his entire life, and served on many boards, including: St. John Lutheran School Board, the Port Hope Community School Board, served as both an elder and trustee for St. John Lutheran Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing euchre, gardening, farming and dancing. A life-long musician and entertainer, Emerson taught himself to play guitar and soon started playing at local variety shows and in-between acts of local theatre productions. He quickly began playing at local bars and dance halls with other musicians, with Irene often joining him onstage. Around 1955 he started playing in a band with Joe Pichla, Clarence Heleski, and Virgil Bouverette. For nearly twenty years they played dances, weddings, and anniversaries throughout Huron County. Over his lifetime, Emerson played with many local musicians, including Cletus Guza and his brother-in-law Barney Schubring, eventually forming his own band, The Emerson Pilaske Band with Bob and Ron Osantoski, and Lee Sloan, and most recently his son Dennis and grandson Samuel. Emerson continued to play and sing music until his last days and loved nothing more than watching a group of people smile, dance, and enjoy the music he made and loved. A perfect musical pairing, Emerson was most delighted when Irene joined him on stage to sing and play guitar. He is survived by his wife Irene Pilaske of Port Hope, and children: Patricia (James) Smaglinski of Harbor Beach, Joni Pilaske of Auburn, Holly (Special Friend Rich) Iseler of Port Hope, Crystal Pilaske of Port Hope, Dennis (Michelle) Pilaske of Sanford, 10 grandchildren: Kimberly (Zane), Kayla (Ricky) Ross (Special Friend Stacey), Kristen (Clay), Randy (Brittany), Justine (Special Friend Rick), Jolene, Maxwell, Samuel, Madeline, 13 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his siblings: Genevieve (Tony) Sadowski, Bernice (Arnold) Eggert, and Thelma (August) Pleiness. Funeral Services for Emerson will be Saturday, May 28, 2022 at 11 am at St. John Lutheran Church of Port Hope, with Rev. David Dodge officiating. Burial will follow in Lakeview Cemetery. Visitation for Emerson will be on Friday, from 3-8pm at the Ramsey Funeral Home of Harbor Beach. Visitation on Saturday will be at the church beginning at 10 am until time of services at 11 am. A scripture service will take place Friday, at 7 pm at the funeral home. Memories can be shared at www.RamseyFH.com

Emerson W. Pilaske

June 17, 1932 - May 12, 2022