Emmett Louis Kahlbaugh, age 75 of Mahnomen, MN, died on Friday, May 2, 2008 at his home, under the care of family and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Emmett was born August 1, 1932 at home in Pembina Township, Mahnomen County, the son of Edwin and Marcella (Novak). He attended country school and graduated from Mahnomen High School with the class of 1950. Shortly thereafter, Edwin died and Emmett needed to take on the responsibilities of the family farm. As a boy, Emmett always had a passion for science and had hoped to go onto college. The farming duties became the lifestyle he would love and become devoted to. He was able to incorporate his love for science by developing and designing safer and more efficient farm equipment, leading him to be featured in farm publications for his equipment designs.

On October 27, 1956 Emmett was united in marriage to Jeanette Buschette at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen. The couple settled on a farmstead just south of Mahnomen, where they raised four daughters and four sons.

Over the years, Emmett and Jeanette raised hogs, dairy and beef cattle, harvested small grains and row crops, building their acreage as time went on. Farming was not only an occupation but also a way of life for Emmett. His son Steven joined him in 1985 and would eventually take over the family farm when Emmett retired in 1997. Even though "retired", he never quit farming. Emmett remained active by driving tractor especially during spring planting and fall harvest.

Emmett was a lifelong member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, Mahnomen and Knights of Columbus Mahnomen Council #2573, serving as past Grand Knight. He also held a membership with the Mahnomen Country Club. In years past, Emmett served as a member of the Mahnomen Hospital Board, Farmers Union, MN Wheat Growers Association, Soybean Growers Association and also as a County Commissioner.

Emmett is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jeanette, Mahnomen; four sons: Steven (Jennifer), Mahnomen, Paul (Becky), Watertown, MN, Mark (fiancée, Melissa), Gilbert, AZ, Thomas (Laura) Carver, MN; four daughters: Karen (Jim) Drake, Eagan, MN, Sandra (Tim) Gaffney, Eagan, MN, Susan Jack, Tigard, OR, and Gail (Paul) Correll, Rosemount, MN: 15 grandchildren: two brothers, Horace (Lorie) Kahlbaugh, Duluth, MN, Elwin (Melody) Kahlbaugh, Grand Forks, ND and several nieces and nephews. Emmett was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Donna Gist and June Seabold.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the following organization of your choice:

St. Michael's Catholic Church

Hospice of the Red River Valley or

Mahnomen Country Club

Please indicate where you would like your donation allocated, and route the donation to the following address:

Jeanette Kahlbaugh
2281 154th Ave.
Mahnomen, MN 56557