Karen (also known as K) Emel, 84, of Newport WA., went peacefully on August 24th,

2025 in Watertown, S.D. surrounded by her loving family from complications form

cancer.

Karen was born to Charles and Mata (Gehrke) Houghton, (the 11th of 14 children)

in Willow Lake S.D. on May 3rd, 1941. She grew up on a farm west of Willow Lake. She

graduated from Willow Lake High School in 1959. Then attended college at Black Hills

State College.

Karen later moved to Martha Lake WA. where she met her future husband Phil

Emel. She and Phil were married on March 15th, 1968. She became the loving step

mother to 4 children. Wayde, 10; Mark, 9; Tina, 8; and Terri, 7.

Karen and Phil purchased land near Newport, WA in the early 70s where they

lived for their entire married life.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband Phil, her parents, her stepson

Mark, six brothers, three sisters, and several nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her children, Wayde (Terrilynn), Tina (Mike), and Terri (Glenn)

and her daughter-in-law Anne, all of WA. She has 10 grand kids, 10 great grand-kids,

and four sisters,

A celebration of life will be at 203 Laurelhurst Drive in Newport on Saturday,

September 13th at 4:00 pm. Contact Cindy 509-671-2391

If flowers are your choice to send, please call Floral Traditions (208)-448-2611 or Safeway (509) 447-2506

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