Small Town News

Emil Mutschelknaus

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Emil G. Mutschelknaus, 91, of Sioux Falls, S.D., died Tuesday Sept. 8;-2009 at the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls. The funeral was held Saturday, Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, with burial at Hills of Rest Memorial Park, Sioux Falls.

Emil George Mutschelknaus, son of Emil Mutschelknaus Sr. and Louisa (Mayer) Mutschelknaus, was born Nov. 6, 1917 on a farm near Freeman, S.D. He grew up and received his education there in addition to helping his parents on the farm.

Emil enlisted in the U.S. Army on Jan. 23, 1942. He completed basic training at Fort Riley and then went to Fort Sill. Following basic training, Emil was stationed in California for two years. He was then transferred to the European Theatre and participated in the landing at Omaha Beach. He served as a medic and also drove a 6x6 truck hauling kitchen equipment. Emil took part in the liberation of the Dachau prison camp and often reminisced about the memories that left with him. He was very proud to have served his country. He was also proud to have been included in me public broadcasting series Dakota Stories, in which he related his experiences in World War II to be used for educational purposes. Emil was honorably discharged on Nov. 11, 1945. He then returned to the family farm near Freeman.

Emil was united in marriage with Ava Sheely on March 16, 1952 in Mitchell, S.D. The couple farmed near Emery, S.D., before moving to Sioux Falls in 1964. Emil worked for the gas company for a few years. He then worked for SoDak Distributing before retiring. He and Ava also cared for many foster children through the years.

Emil was a member of Hope Lutheran Church and a life-member of John M. Bliss VFW Post 628 in Sioux Falls. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and greatgrandfather and will be missed by everyone.

Survivors include his wife, Ava; three children: Renee (Jim) Helger-son, Robin (Steve) Munro and Roger Mutschelknaus, all of Sioux Falls; three grandchildren; two greatgrandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers.



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© 2009 Freeman Courier Freeman, South Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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