Wrangell Sentinel -

Emil Nelson Churchill passed away peacefully January 12, 2014 in Wrangell, Alaska with loved ones by his side.

Emil was born February 25, 1936 in Craig, Alaska to David and Rebecca Churchill. He was the youngest of five children.

One day in 1943 Emil was outside playing and got a stick jabbed through his neck and needed medical attention. The family brought him to Wrangell, and here is where they made their home.

Emil attended school and played basketball on both the high school team and ANB team. He first fished with his dad and uncles, as he gained experience he worked for other captains. He served in the US Army from May 1960 to May 1962 and was stationed in Germany.

Emil met Janice Rooney in 1962 and they were married on July 20, 1963. They had three children, Daniel, Dawn and Deanne.

He was a longshoreman for over 30 years. When Emil wasn't working as a longshoreman, he was fishing or hunting. While raising his family, Emil owned several commercial boats. The last trolling boat he purchased was the "Dan Dee Dawn". His wife Janice was his most dedicated deckhand. He also had son Daniel, grandson Tim and granddaughter Kimberly learning the trade. Emil always found time for fun from snow machining to sport fishing to hunting or running the river. Emil loved the outdoors. In the spring he would catch hooligan, in the summer he spent countless hours sport fishing and in the fall he could be found up river moose hunting. He was always willing to share his bounty of wild game, salmon and hooligan. He was full of knowledge and willing to teach someone something important.

In his retirement years he loved spending time with everyone he knew. He could be found walking his beloved dogs first Lady then Spanky or enjoying the days sitting on his front porch or in the yard, visiting with all who passed by.

Emil was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Harry and David and sister Loretta.

He is survived by his sister Wilma Stokes; his wife of 50 years Janice; son Daniel; daughters Dawn (Kelly) Davis, Deanne (Brian) Cooper; grandchildren Tim, Kenny, Michelle, Matt, Alesha, Garren, Cathy, Kyle and Kimberly; great grandchildren Gavin, Jacoby, Colton, Kaydence, Alea, Keli and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and dear friends.