Howard "Emmett" McGhee

Howard “Emmett” McGhee, age 96, of South Sioux City, NE passed peacefully at home on Thursday, June 29, 2022 with family by his side. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to all, and will be sadly missed. Visitation will be held on Thursday at 11:00 a.m., at First Presbyterian Church of South Sioux City, with the funeral to follow at 1:00 p.m. Graveside military rights will be conducted by the American Legion Post 97 of Homer, NE., at Taylor Cemetery. After the services, family will remain at the church for visitation until 6:30 p.m.  Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Funeral Home, South Sioux, NE, with Pastor Beth Hamilton officiating.

Emmett was born the middle child among six sisters to Howard Lucious and Cecelia Eliza (Alam) McGhee, December 3, 1925, at Smeaton township near Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. He arrived in the dead of a Canadian winter in a log cabin built by his father.  At age 2, his family returned to Winnebago, NE, their original home. His father sought work during the depression, and moved them to South Sioux City, several areas of Sioux City, IA, then Sgt. Bluff, and for a short time, Oto, IA. Much of his growing years were spent east of Winnebago with his paternal Grandparents, Joseph and Della (Endsley) McGhee. It was with them that he first learned the value of hard work. As a very young child he began creating work for himself – planting his own garden, skinning animal hides to take to Strange Brothers Hide Co., hauling scrap iron across Sioux City in his wagon, and carrying newspapers when he finally turned 10. In 1943, at age 17, Emmett graduated from East High School of Sioux City. Born on Canadian soil to American citizens, he had to choose his country. He chose America.  He worked for Cudahy Packing of Sioux City for a short time after graduating, then moved to Oto, IA to pick corn for a local farmer, using a team of horses. In the fall of 1944, he went to Winnebago to help his Uncle Forrest Alam with harvest. Shortly after, he went to pick corn for the Fuller brothers and lived there all winter. With WWII in full swing, Emmett saw military service in his future. March of 1944, he enlisted in the Army and served as an infantryman in Germany. He returned home to Winnebago after the war and married the love of his life, Virginia “Ginny” (Rose) McGhee on June 16, 1948. They farmed east of Winnebago for 35 years, with the exception of a 3-year period in Badger, IA from 1958 to 1962. There he worked as a photographer for Mayer Portraits of Fort Dodge, and as a factory worker for Coats Company. In later years he established McGhee & Sons Heating and Air Conditioning in partnership with his son Daryl, and was a skilled carpenter, plumber, and electrician. Emmett and Ginny shared a love of gardening, mushroom hunting, picking wild fruits, fishing, raising cattle and all things outdoors. They sang together and danced in their kitchen. In 1982 they sold their farm and built a home along the bluffs of Homer, NE. There he remained until 2014 when he moved to South Sioux City into a small apartment built for him in the home of his youngest daughter Darlakae. He remained there with her family until passing. Sadly, Virginia had died on May 11, 1998. The couple will always be remembered as beautiful dancers who shared a great love for God, country, family and friends. From their union, 7 children, 17 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren were born, including 5 sons: Don (Patty) McGhee of Hartington, NE; Daryl (Gwen) McGhee of Newcastle, NE; the late Dennis (Connie) McGhee, of Lincoln, NE; Darwin (Kathy) McGhee of Anthon, IA; and Deven (Pam) McGhee of Beatrice, NE. and Two daughters: Dwan (Vernon) Dean; and Darlakae (Vince) Mahon of South Sioux City, NE. 

Emmett loved music, baseball, Husker football, and any event involving his children or grandchildren, each of whom he held a special relationship with. He served his church and community well throughout his life. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Winnebago and a founding member of Faith United Presbyterian Church of Walthill, NE.  He served on many local committees and held a seat on the Winnebago Public School Board for a total of 19 years during the 50’s through the 70’s. Emmett also holds the highest attendance record for the annual Winnebago Alumni Banquet, having attended all 68 banquets held since after the war, even though his wife Ginny was the actual alumnus. Most of all, Howard Emmett McGhee will be forever remembered as a kind, honest, and generous man of great integrity.

Along with his children and their families, he leaves behind two sisters: Ellen Krause and Joyce (Gordon) Watson, and many nephews, nieces, and wonderful friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of nearly 50 years, a beloved son, Dennis Gene McGhee, 4 sisters – Evon Adams, Leola Carlson, Peggy Mayer, Delores Brittain, and his mother and father in-law, Walter and Mary Jane (Rhodus) Rose.