Leo Joseph Emhoff

Leo was born on April 1, 1969 to Bill and Helen Emhoff. He graduated from Dunlap High School in 1987 and went on to Eastern Illinois University where some of his fondest friendships and memories were made. He played offensive lineman from ‘87-’91 and is remembered as a fiercely loyal Panther, and an even more loyal teammate and friend.

His loyalty was a common theme throughout Leo’s life. He met the love of his life, Shelley, in high school and he continued to be her ‘tall drink of water’ throughout their 32 year marriage. Once you were in his life, you were there for the duration. No matter if it was his family or friends, Leo found a way to bring his people together. Whether it was a group chat with old teammates, family vacations to the mountains of Colorado, or his many years of hosting an annual Hog Roast- Leo was the curator of some of his loved ones’ favorite memories.

He continued his loyal practices with his wide variety of interests and hobbies. He was an avid outdoorsman and could often be found golfing, fishing, or hunting and had a particular knack for turkeys. A patriot through and through, he enjoyed reading about United States history and Presidents. He loved classic 70’s rock and The Grateful Dead. He truly was a man of many talents and interests, even venturing into learning to bake when he retired. One of his favorite ways to pass time, though, was going on rides with his sweet companion, Lainey Bear.

Leo lived his life with adventure, love, and loyalty at his core. Such a big personality leaves an incredible void in those who loved him and will miss him forever.

Leo is survived by his wife, Shelley Emhoff; mother, Helen Emhoff; mother and father-in-law, Steven and Sherry Goetz; his brothers Guy Emhoff, Brian (Beth) Emhoff, and brother-in-law Todd (Daylene) Goetz; his sisters Debbie (Jerry) Dunn, Mary Ann (Dennis) Halvorson, and sister-in-law Courtney (Scott) Webb; and several nieces, nephews, and great nephews. He is predeceased by his father, Bill Emhoff; grandparents; and many aunts and uncles who we know welcomed him with a big hug and a poker game.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home, 2408 West Willow Knolls Drive in Peoria. A Life Celebration will follow from 2:00 until 4:00 PM, also at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at T2T.org or the Central Illinois Memorial Kidney Fund at CIMKF.org

Condolences and memories may be shared through Woolsey-Wilton.com