Joseph Edward "Joe" Emmett, 73, Minot died on February 1, 2011 in a Devils Lake hospital from an apparent heart attack.

Joe was born on March 12, 1937 in Rawlins, Wyoming to Joseph Earl and Marianne (Kohoutek) Emmett. He was reared and educated in Minot and Los Angeles, California. Joe was once married to Nancy Griffin. They resided in Minot for a short time before moving to San Diego where Joe was employed at Caudell and Johnson Sand and Gravel during the day and as a musician at night. The family moved to Chicago when Joe took a position with Motorola Corporation. During his thirty-five years with Motorola he was involved in work projects in Puerto Rico, Australia, Germany, France and Israel and retired as a Systems Analyst with the company. He retired in 1998 and moved to Minot to help care for his aging mother Marianne Rakness. As a resident of Minot he worked part time for Funtime Karaoke, performing on a monthly basis at Trinity Nursing Home, Edgewood Vista and Somerset Court.

Joe had a wanderlust and he loved to drive, fish and golf. His passion for music never left him. As a young student he played drums in the Minot High School Band and when he resided in San Diego he also played drums along with Gary Puckett and The Cascades for a short time. In his retirement he sang Karaoke at various events in Minot with his special friend Judy Wellman. While traveling he would always find a microphone and a casino. In addition, he enjoyed gaming, and most sports, especially Chicago Bears football. He was a former member of St. Matthews Church in Glendale Heights, IL and had coached Little League baseball for several seasons. In his younger years he was a Golden Gloves Boxing regional champion in the middleweight division.

Joe's loving family includes: his special friend, Judy Wellman of Minot; children: Teri (Otis) Channell, Mike Emmett, Roger Emmett, Diana (Jon) Helgesen and Brian (Lisa) Emmett; grandchildren: Brandi, Danielle, Paxson, Amanda, Shayla, Julia, Myles, Haley and Lindsey; great-grandchildren: Sierra and Jordan; brother: LeRey Emmett; former wife Nancy Emmett; and a large number of friends and extended family.

Joe will be missed by many and never forgotten.

Joe was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather: Marianne and Arthur Rakness; father Joseph Earl Emmett; and infant sons, Mark and Brian.

Funeral Service: Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home Chapel - Minot.
Interment arrangements are pending.
Visitation: Friday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the donor's choice.