Jerry K. Emrich

Jerry Kent Emrich died peacefully in his home on April 8, 2024 surrounded by loving family.  He was born September 6, 1935 to parents Violet Olson and Keith Emrich in Spencer, Iowa, earned an industrial engineering degree from Iowa State University in 1957 and completed a 3-year tour of duty in the Navy before settling in Arlington, VA.  Here he met his wife, Lilienne Johnson, while working as a courtroom clerk for the U.S. District Court of Washington D.C.  While working full-time at the Court, he studied law at night at the Washington College of Law, American University.  He graduated in 1965.  He was an assistant to Arlington’s Commonwealth Attorney from 1967-70, and in private practice in Arlington until 1973 when he was appointed Arlington’s first county attorney.  In 1981, he joined the zoning and land development firm Lawson, Walsh, Colucci, and Malinchak.  He retired in 2013 and cared for his wife until her death in 2015.

He was preceded in death by his brother Keith Ross (Samsiah Abdul-Majid) Emrich, and his sister Linda (Jim) Wejcman.  He leaves behind two daughters, Leith and Mandi, three grandchildren (Luke, Jerry, and Samantha), many nieces and nephews, as well as sisters- and brothers-in-law. 

He mastered many trades while growing up in Iowa. He delivered newspapers (always in extreme weather) as a boy accompanied by a friendly crow. He ran the projector in the movie theater and worked the popcorn machine.  He made ice cream sandwiches and pumped gas, and peeled potatoes at the Spencer county fair.  He was a dedicated father and grandfather, having patiently taught two generations how to drive, how to do long division, and how to read.  He frequently cleared his weekend calendar to attend baseball games and dance recitals.  He was cheerleader, babysitter, teacher, and sounding board.  His stories of being in the eye of the hurricane while on a navy ship and eating a rattlesnake became legendary.

Throughout his life he enjoyed trips to Florence, Italy with his wife, dogsledding in the North Woods, Minnesota with family, indulging his intellectual curiosities, as well as cigars, peanuts, strawberry shakes, and black raspberry ice cream.   He will be remembered by his family and friends for his dry Midwestern wit, quiet kindnesses, generosity, and sage advice. 

A celebration of his life will be held at his home on Saturday, June 29th from 1:00-3:00 p.m.  Those who would like to pay their respects are welcome.  Contributions can be made in his name to the Southern Poverty Law Center, Alzheimer’s Association, or Compassus hospice.

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