Emmett J. McGinn, 75, La Crosse, Kansas, died Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020, at his home.
Emmett was born July 18, 1945, in Denver, Colorado, the son of John and Catherine (Yeager) McGinn. He was a resident of Rush County, Kansas, for 18 years, moving from Colorado. He was a 1963 graduate of Adams City High School, in Commerce City, Colorado. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was assigned to Beeville, Texas before duty on Kodiak Island, Alaska.
Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, he later met and married Geraldine “Gerri” Schaffer on Sept. 6, 1969 at St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church, Denver, Colorado. They made Denver their home and had two children, Carlie and Greg. He found work as a purchasing and supply agent with the Colorado Army National Guard in the USPFO at Camp George West in Golden, Colorado, Dec. 1, 1971, continuing his service to this country. He retired with 42 years of service to the U.S. Armed Services.
He worked for the city of Thornton, Colorado as a purchasing and supply agent retiring from the city in 2002. While in Thornton, he participated in sports with his kids as a coach and also a soccer league referee. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Northglenn, Colorado. He became active in the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps., achieving the rank of ensign when his son, Greg, became involved with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets.
In 2002, after his retirement, he and Gerri moved to LaCrosse, Kansas to enjoy a rural lifestyle. He became a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, and St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Council, both of Liebenthal, Kansas. He was a member of American Legion Post 33, La Crosse, Kansas.
Survivors include: his wife, Gerri, of La Crosse, Kansas; daughter, Carlie Van Winkle, Cheyenne, Wyoming; son, Greg McGinn (Kim), Denver, Colorado; three grandchildren, Amelia Rose Van Winkle, John Michael McGinn and Allyson Ann McGinn; three sisters, Loretta Capra (Rudy), Wheat Ridge, Colorado; Frances Stephens, Parker, Colorado; and Lorna Baldwin (Ed), of Canute, Oklahoma.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jim McGinn; sister, Catherine Lloyd; and his son-in-law, Steve Van Winkle.
Church visitation will be Friday, Sept. 11, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Liebenthal, Kansas. A rosary will be said at 10:00 a.m.
Funeral mass will follow visitation and rosary at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Stephen Dabanka officiating. Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Liebenthal, Kansas.
Social distancing is recommended. Masks are also recommended. Due to Covid 19, if you have a fever, cough, or are not feeling well, please send condolences via the on line guestbook, or mail.
In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to St. Joseph Heritage Fund, Liebenthal, Kansas.
Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.janousekfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517