Mike was called to be with our Lord on July 21st, 2026, after a brief daylong illness, while resting peacefully in his favorite recliner. Mike was 73 years old, in excellent health, and was part of a wildland firefighting controlled burn at Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park (WBSSSP) in Port Richey just the previous week.

Mike loved being a Park Ranger Naturalist and Wildland Firefighter for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). After retiring from Honeymoon Island, Mike volunteered at WBSSSP, links are below for two Park Spotlight articles about Mike and his volunteer Service Awards for over 6000+ hours of service. Mike leaves behind family and friends who love him and will miss him dearly, especially his friendship and camaraderie through the years.

State Park links, articles for Mike’s Service Awards:

https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/volunteer-spotlight-michael-emmerich

https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/volunteer-spotlight-mike-emmerich

He was preceded in death by his Mother and Father, Edgar and Delores Carlin Emmerich. He is survived by his dearly beloved Wife of 34 years, Gayla Wallace Emmerich; Sisters and Brothers, and many Nieces and Nephews, and Grand-Nieces and Grand-Nephews; and Emmerich and Carlin Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. Along with the many Emmerich and Carlin families from Germany and Ireland who immigrated to MN, more Families remained in Europe.  Janet and Rick Willis, Pat and Debbie Emmerich, Dale and Marie Emmerich, Jean and Ben Houston, Mark Willis (Godson), John Barthle (Godson), Dan Carlin (GodFather and Uncle), and Maury Carlin (Cousin and Brother in heart).

Mike was also a member at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church of New Port Richey, FL, for many years and supported the youth group anonymously.

Mike was born in Minneapolis, MN, and graduated from Boca Ciega High School in St. Petersburg, Fl in 1971. He enlisted and volunteered for Military Service in the Navy (USN) during the Vietnam era and was Honorably Discharged. Mike came from a Military Service family, including Mike’s father Edgar Emmerich, WWII Merchant Marines; as well as Uncles, Cousins, and Niece Katie Willis Smith, US Coast Guard (USCG). Mike was a Machinist as well as a Tool and Die CNC Machinist for many years like his Father, receiving his Technical Degree with Honors. Mike then went on to volunteer and Serve with the Florida DEP, serving at Egmont Key, Honeymoon Island, Caladesi Island, Anclote Key, and Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Parks. Mike was a highly certified Wildland Firefighter, Educator, and Strike Team member, fighting fires, performing and prescribing controlled burns, disaster emergency management, and hurricane disaster relief duties.  He helped to keep Floridians safe. Mike loved his “little Boots kitty” and was an especially wonderful, special and unique person.  He was tenderly and dearly loved and will be missed in this world, until we all meet again in Heaven to be with our Lord.  God Bless. Peace be with you