Denise M. Emmer, age 72, of Brillion, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully at her home on Saturday morning, June 13, 2026.

Denise was born on October 17, 1953, in Green Bay, the daughter of the late Merlyn and Viola “Vi” (Koski) Winkler. She was a graduate of Brillion High School, Class of 1971. On December 22, 1973, she married Jon “Digger” Emmer. He preceded her in death on July 9, 2008. Denise was proud of and truly enjoyed her work, dedicating more than 50 years to Roels, Keidatz, Fronsee & Danen, LLC in De Pere.

Denise’s first priority was always her children and grandchildren. She showed her love by supporting them at their events and sporting activities, as well as by spending time together on many family vacations, all of which she treasured dearly. She also enjoyed gardening, spending time with her “BLPN Volleyball Girls” and her “Greenleaf Girls”, hosting garage socials, attending concerts and musicals, especially Les Misérables, which she saw eight times.

Denise never let anyone down; instead, she was always the first to help them up. She was nonjudgmental and genuinely cared for others with an open heart. Whenever someone needed anything, she was willing to give all she had, no questions asked. Those who have reached out describe her as a beautiful soul: funny, kind, strong, admired, amazing, fun-loving, and someone who made a positive impact on everyone she met. Most of all, she was deeply loved. We were incredibly fortunate to have her in our lives, and her absence will be felt in our hearts forever.

Survivors include her children: Derek Emmer of Brillion; Jesse (Billie Jo) Emmer of Chilton; and Deanna Collins of Ashwaubenon; her grandchildren: Maya and Sienna, Isabella and Ellison, and Rooke; her siblings and their spouses: Keith (Lynn) Winkler of Fond du Lac, Elaine (Richard) Baribeau of Menominee, Michigan, Kevin (Judy) Winkler of Darboy, and Tani (Steve) Plate of Brillion; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Daniel (Carol) Emmer of Brillion, Bill (Karen) Emmer of Brillion, Sharon (Brian) Eickert of Brillion, and David (Jill) Emmer of Hilbert; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jon “Digger” Emmer; her parents, Merlyn and Vi Winkler; her sister, Sandi Smith; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Donald and Lorraine Emmer; and other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Denise’s Life will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Cobblestone Creek in Brillion. A Time of Sharing will take place at 5:00 p.m.

Family and friends may gather at Cobblestone Creek from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Denise’s family has chosen Pielhop Funeral Homes & Cremation Care Centers to honor her legacy of life.

Let us all live our lives like Denise and remember her words:

“May we all grow old without growing up!”