Gregory A. Emmons

A Memorial Service for Gregory Emmons of Starbuck will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Starbuck, with Don Swenson officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 8th at the Starbuck Funeral Home. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service.

Gregory “Greg” Alan Emmons was born on October 2, 1949, in Canby, Minnesota the son of Ira and Helen (Paneck) Emmons. He grew up in Ivanhoe, Minnesota and graduated from Starbuck High School in 1967. He joined the Unites States Marines on July 16, 1968 and was honorably discharged on October 31, 1969 and later discharged from Reserve duty on June 2, 1974.

On March 20, 1971, Greg was united in marriage to Eleanore “Elie” Nali and her daughter, Tina at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Starbuck. Together, the couple had two boys, Tim and Ryan. They lived in a number of towns around the United States while Greg worked for the airlines; Ozark, TWA and American. His career in the airline industry spanned 34 years. Eventually, they settled in their lake home on Minnewaska Lake near Starbuck. Greg also attended St. Paul Tech in 1992, always desiring to keep learning.

Greg was active in the V.F.W., American Legion, DAV and Am Vets. He served as the V.F.W. Commander of the Lakeville Post 210 from 1996-1998. He later joined the Starbuck V.F.W where he was active. He and Elie hosted exchange students from El Salvador, Mexico and Sweden.

Greg died Sunday, May 3, 2026, at his home. He was 76 years old.

He is survived by his wife off 55 years, Elie Emmons of Starbuck; children, Tina (Duane Hove) Des Marais of Alexandria, Timothy (Jodi) Emmons of Lakeville; grandchildren, Devon Des Marais, Ashley Des Marais, Brittni (Chris) Larson, Cassandra (Michael) Freeman, Abby (Chris) Billings, Morgan (Jordan Hockers) Emmons, Dalton (Emily Heimendinger) Hogan; great-grandchildren, Kaleigh Frederiks, Maleenah Papesh, Gauge Papesh, Ezra Freeman, Xander Freeman, Ethan Drometer, Emeryson Des Marais, Braxton Des Marais, Lyla Des Marais and Ava Steltz; siblings, Debra (Robert) Schmidt of Lake City and Barbara (John) Derksen of Pequot Lakes.

He was preceded in death by his son, Ryan Emmons; parents Ira and Helen Emmons, sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Lloyd Ochocki, nephew, Randy Ochocki and Niece Renee Patton.

The Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in care of the arrangements for Greg. To send condolences to the family, visit www.starbuckfh.com.