Eileen Demke

Eileen L. Demke, 87, of Emerson, NE, passed away at her daughter's house in Belen, New Mexico on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.  A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hubbard.  The visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church on Wednesday morning.  Burial will follow a luncheon at the church in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Emerson, NE.  Munderloh - Smith Funeral Home in Emerson is in charge of the services.

Eileen was born on February 10, 1936 near Macy, NE, the daughter of Herbert and Leona (Nottlemann) Hightree.  She was baptized in Decatur, NE, and confirmed in Walthill, NE.  Eileen graduated from Macy High School on May 21, 1953. Eileen graduated from Ellis School of Cosmetology in 1964.  She was united in marriage to Walker W. Demke on August 21, 1965, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Walthill, NE.  For over 20 years she ran a beauty shop out of her house in rural Hubbard.  During her retirement years, she made hats, mittens, and scarfs to donate to the Goodwill.  She enjoyed doing crafts, she even started a business with her daughter, Marykae, E & M Crafts, where they participated in many craft fairs.  She enjoyed crocheting, embroidery, reading, and word search books.  Eileen loved to bake, there was always fresh bread, cinnamon rolls, cookies and cakes.  She loved her family being together where she was able to cook and bake for them.  

Eileen is survived by her daughter, Cindy (Paul) Chester if Belen, NM; daughter-in-law, Sharon Demke of Emerson, NE; grandchildren, Kristin (Jeff) Andersen, Vanessa Emmons, Michael (Katie) Emmons, Spencer Emmons (Brooklynn Roost), Nick (Nikole) Demke, Brandon (September) Chester, Abigail (Tol) Thapa, Quinn Chester; twelve great-grandchildren; brother, Boyd (Norma) Hightree of Pender, NE; sisters, Karen (Earl) Oleson of South Sioux City, NE, Mary (Ricky) Keegan of Sioux City, IA.

Eileen is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Walt; daughter, Marykae Demke; son Robert “Dink” Demke.