Emmett P. Hardegen

Emmett Peter Hardegen, 89, passed away on June 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on April 23, 1937, in West Bend, Wisconsin, to Roman and Mae Hardegen.

Emmett proudly served his country in the United States Air Force before beginning a 32-year career at Sta-Rite in Delavan, Wisconsin. He was known for his strong work ethic, quiet humility, and unwavering love for his family.

Known by many as “Saint Emmett,” he lived a life of quiet faith, kindness, and compassion. He may not have been wealthy in the way the world measures wealth, but he was rich in love, and he gave that love freely to everyone around him. His greatest joy was spending time with the people he loved, whether that meant taking family road trips, sitting on the sidelines cheering them on, or simply being together. He was the kind of man who quietly showed up, loved deeply, and made everyone around him feel important.

When he wasn’t spending time with his family, Emmett found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved reading books, feeding and watching the birds, tending to his garden, volunteering at Beckman Mill, and spending time with his many friends at Silver Sneakers. Whether he was enjoying the outdoors, sharing stories with friends, or simply spending time with the people he loved, Emmett found happiness in the simple moments of life.

He is survived by his children: Beth (Joe) Borders of Anderson, Indiana; Dano (Tricia) Anderson of Hampstead, New Hampshire; Mark (Su) Hardegen of Middletown, Indiana; Heidi (Mike) Watts of Henderson, Nevada; Vicki (Mike) Keenan of Londonderry, New Hampshire; Heather Scheunemann of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; Jennifer (Tyler) Dvorak of Beloit, Wisconsin; and Nicholas Thompson of Janesville, Wisconsin.

He is also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Zachary, Ashley, Cody, Gavin, Elise, Cressida, Devin, Julie, Michelle, Ryan, Aidan, Jaidan, Evelyn, and Adalynn; several cherished great-grandchildren; along with his two beloved Golden Retrievers, Barron and Josie.

Emmett was preceded in death by his loving wife, Nancy Hardegen; his parents, Roman and Mae Hardegen; and his sister, Marilyn.

Emmett’s greatest legacy is not found in what he owned, but in the love he gave, the lives he touched, and the family he cherished. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In honoring Emmett’s life, his family asks that you remember him by showing kindness to others, spending time with those you love, and simply showing up—just as he always did. There is no greater legacy than a life lived with love.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Como Community Church W3901 Palmer Rd, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. A funeral service celebrating Emmett’s life will immediately follow at the church. Burial with military honors will follow at Saint Francis Cemetery 6495 WI-50, Lake Geneva, WI 53147

A luncheon will be served at Hawk’s View Golf Club 7377 Krueger Road, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Beckman Mill in memory of Emmett, honoring his volunteer service and his love for preserving its history and beauty. Donations may be made through the Beckman Mill website.

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Derrick Funeral Home is honored to be assisting Emmett's family.