Donald John Emmerling

Donald John “Don” Emmerling, age 61, of Prospect Heights, Illinois, a talented custom carpenter, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, at Evanston Hospital, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on October 16, 1964, Don graduated from John Hersey High School in 1982. He built a rewarding career in custom carpentry, working alongside his father-in-law and receiving mentorship from the late Jim O’Connor at O’Connor Custom Carpentry. Don took great pride in his craftsmanship, creating beautiful, enduring work with skill and dedication.

Don’s life was filled with joy through his hobbies—biking, landscaping, tending to his beloved plants, and sharing good food with his family. Above all, he cherished his roles as a devoted husband, dad, and grandpa. He knew the love of his life, Kelly, for 45 years and married her on October 15, 1988. Their partnership was a source of deep love, support, and countless cherished memories.

He is survived by his loving wife Kelly Emmerling; daughter Katelyn Lykins and her husband Payton Lykins, and their son Parker Lykins; son David Emmerling and his girlfriend Clare Mueller; and many other extended family and friends. Don was preceded in death by his sister Debbie Emmerling, mother Annamarie Emmerling, father Donald Emmerling, grandmother Mary Mueller, and grandfather John Mueller.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Don’s honor to the Gastric Cancer Foundation (http://gastriccancer.org), a nonprofit dedicated to research, education, and support for those affected by gastric cancer.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 27th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Hangar Two, Glenview, IL.

Don’s legacy lives on through the homes and creations he built, the gardens he nurtured, the meals he shared, and the love he gave so generously to his family.