Emmalee C. Gruthoff-Schomisch of Appleton who passed away on June 30th 2022 would like to thank God for 87 years on this earth. Emmie was born in Chicago IL to Edward and Catherine (DelSeta) Pagni. She spent her childhood in Cicero IL where the many Italian families formed a close community. Emmie attended Roosevelt elementary school and Morton High School in Cicero. She attended Morton Community College for 2 years and completed her education at Western Michigan State in Kalamazoo receiving a BA in Education. Emmie met Fletcher Gruthoff while attending Morton Community College. They were soon married and had 3 children David, Collin, and Brian.

Fletcher's job relocated the family throughout the country for his career while Emmie taught on many levels during these times. Their last move was to Appleton, Wisconsin where for 30 years she taught religion (CCD) along with substitute teaching in the Appleton School System.

After the dissolution of her marriage to Fletcher, Emmie married J. Thomas Schomisch merging the families with his children, Mary, Sarah, John, Joe and Dave. Emmie was a member of the Appleton Women's Club for over 40 years and was involved with First Step Preschool for many years. First Step originated at St. Bernard's Church eventually moving to St. Joseph elementary school. She was an active member of St. Mary Parish and distributed communion. Emmie and Tom enjoyed traveling in the RV as well as boating and were long-term members of the Appleton Yacht Club.

Emmie is survived by her children, David Gruthoff (Christine), Collin Gruthoff (Leah), and her grandchildren Sophie and Ben Gruthoff. Emmie is also survived by her stepchildren, Mary Hall (Steve), John C. Schomisch (Shellie), Sarah Janz (Tom), Joe Schomisch (Amy), and Dave Schomisch (Heather), and step grandchildren John Paul, Nick, Natalie, Eiley and Sam Schomisch. Emmie is also survived by many friends and relatives.

Emmie was preceded in death by her parents Catherine and Edward Pagni, husband Tom, and son Brian.

A Funeral Service will be held Saint Mary's Parish 312 S. State Street, Appleton, WI on Wednesday, July 6th 2022 with Rev. William Swichtenberg officiating. Friends may visit the church from 9:00 am until 11:00 am for visitation and Mass starting at 11:00 am. Entombment will take place at Highland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting a donation be made to: The National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help 4047 Chapel Dr. Champion, WI. 54229. 920-866-2571