OREGON – Emory L. Cragg, age 91, died Thursday, April 2, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born Jan. 30, 1929 in Corning, New York the son of Orrin and Ruby (Thorpe) Cragg.
He served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1952-1954. He married Virginia “Ginny” Przestrzelski on Oct. 1, 1963 in Edwardsville, Ill. Emory worked for IBEW Local 196 as an Electrical Construction Lineman and was in supervision recently receiving his 60 year pin for service. He was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oregon where he was often seen helping with maintenance projects. He was also a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge including Oregon Lodge # 420, and a Past Master of the Minooka, Ill., Lodge.
Emory was known as an artistic person who excelled in woodworking. He handcrafted many works of art including miniature buildings, windmills, waterwheels, and bird houses. He and his wife Ginny traveled throughout the United States camping. He loved to dance and was always up for a card game with his family. Everyone who knew Emory loved him.
He was predeceased by his parents and 2 brothers Bert LaVerne Cragg and Burnell Cragg.
He is survived by his wife Ginny of Oregon, children Sharon “Sherry” (Carmin) Choppie of Cherry Valley, Emory L. (Sherry) Cragg, Jr, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., his family in New York; Elaine (Ron) MacBride, Emily (Bill) Decker, Debbie(Jeff) Boylan and their families, and 4 grandchildren; Jason (Megan) Jones of Oregon, Nathan Jones of Rockford, Hannah Jones of Cherry Valley, and Joshua (Sara) Cragg of Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Private family service will take place at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Oregon with the Rev. Rich Tomlinson pastor of the church officiating. Burial will be in the Riverview Cemetery. A Celebration of Life service will also take place at a later date. A memorial fund is established for the Serenity Hospice and Home and the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oregon. Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home in Oregon assisted the family.
