Emil Martin Lampe was born on November 29, 1930, in rural Gresham, Nebraska to Emil H. and Metta (Rathjen) Lampe and passed away on December 25, 2020, in York, Nebraska, at the age of 90 years and 26 days. He was baptized and confirmed by Rev. H.E. Meyer at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gresham.

Emil attended school at District 3 for five years and then at Immanuel Lutheran School for three years. He attended Gresham High School until 1944 when his family moved to rural Utica. Emil then attended Utica High School where he graduated with the Class of 1948.

Emil did farm work for family and neighbors until he was drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps in 1951. He served his country on both the east and west coasts until December 1, 1953. He went into farming on the home place and was a lifelong farmer.

He worked at the Flying V Ballroom for over 25 years where he was a ticket seller and a bartender. Emil met his future wife, Jeanette (Jan) Hartmann at the Flying V. and on November 24, 1973, they were united in marriage at Zion Lutheran Church in Garland, Nebraska.

Emil was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church of rural Waco where he was a longtime Sunday school teacher. In 1998, he transferred his membership to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Utica, where he remained a member until his death. Emil was active at St. Paul and was an usher and greeter as well as a member of the Grand Pals programs.

Emil was a member of American Legion Post #49 in Utica and was Adjutant for many years. He was also a member of the VFW Post #4755 in Seward. He spent his spare time refinishing furniture.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jan in October 2020; two brothers, Theodore and Frederick Lampe; sister, Miriam Hope.

Emil is survived by two brothers-in-law, Bill and wife Doris Hartmann, Jim and Ardath Hartmann, all of Seward; three sisters-in-law, Della Hartmann, Viola Hartmann and Arlys Hartmann; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. To this obituary we add our thoughts, prayers and memories of a life shared with Emil.