FITCHBURG - Emrick S. Espelien, age 95, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on April 2, 1926, the son of Erick and Selma (Judd) Espelien. Emrick married Joyce M. Heuser and they celebrated 73 years together.

Emrick served in the U.S. Army, 16^th armored division in the Central European Theater during World War II. He worked for Northwest Airlines for 43 years and after retiring in 1988, Emrick and Joyce became snowbirds and traveled to Florida for 21 years to escape the Wisconsin winters. They both enjoyed traveling and took every opportunity to do so.

Emrick always had a story or joke to tell. He and his family enjoyed camping, fishing, and flying to cities in the U.S.

Emrick is survived by his wife Joyce; daughter, Debra (David) Crooker; grandchildren, Melissa and William (Rachel) Crooker; and great-grandchildren, Cora, Leo, and Adalynn Crooker; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, James Steven Espelien; and sisters, Joan (Pete) Peterson, Karisma (Richard) Heimbruch and Esther (James) Hayes.

A funeral service will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022. Burial will follow at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona. A visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Emrick Sebastian Espelien

April 02, 1926 - January 29, 2022

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