Emil E. "Skip" Marunde, age 84, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025. Born and raised in Maywood, Illinois to Emil and Marie (Holle) Marunde.  Skip lived a life full of adventure, creativity, and deep devotion to family and friends.

As a child, Skip was known for his mischievous streak. One of his favorite stories was the time he placed "For Sale" signs at churches late on a Saturday night, just to see the confused faces of Sunday morning worshippers. That sharp wit and playful spirit never left him.

Skip was proud to be a Boy Scout and cherished his trips to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, especially the canoeing adventures with his lifelong friends. His favorite places to visit were Tahquamenon Falls and Kitch-iti-kipi Springs. Before they were drafted into the military service, he and his best friend, Irwin, road-tripped for two months through all 48 continental states—a journey to see "what they would be defending."

When given the choice between two years in the Army or four in the Navy, Skip chose the Navy with typical humor, saying he'd rather float than walk. Ironically, he was stationed in the desert of Beeville, Texas and never saw a ship. While there, he often traveled to Houston, where he met the love of his life, Paula "Sharon" Jones, at a USO dance. After a whirlwind 137-day romance, only seeing each other on the weekends, they were married on December 29, 1965.

Skip and Sharon eventually settled in Johnsburg, Illinois, where they raised their four children. A talented craftsman, Skip owned and operated a heating and air conditioning business, and was known for his remarkable ability to envision and build just about anything. If Sharon dreamt it, Skip built it. If you needed a tool, you didn't just borrow it—you got Skip, too. He was always ready to lend a hand.

Together, Skip and Sharon built a life grounded in love, loyalty, and faith. He worked hard but always took the time to travel. Life was full of adventure with many trips across the country. It was important for him to show his children the country he so loved.

In 2001, Skip and Sharon retired to their cherished "Cheddar Haus" in Blanchardville, Wisconsin, where it was often joked, he worked harder in retirement than ever before. He was always busy, but often called "break time" to play a game or two. He took pride in sharing his knowledge and taught anyone who would listen.

In 2017, Skip suffered a stroke, yet he adapted with quiet strength and dignity. The loss of Sharon in 2022 was devastating, but his enduring love for her never faded. Not long after, Skip faced a cancer diagnosis, and through it all, he remained resilient. His family was so blessed God gave him more time.

Skip is survived by his children, Katrina (Loren) Piotrowski, Emil Jr. (Sandra) Marunde, Eric (Rita) Marunde, and Amanda (Eric) Wagner; his grandchildren, Kyle (Jessica), Sara (Ike), and Caden (Kaitlyn); Elizabeth, Anna, and Madelynn; Elena, Evelyn, and Elyse; Trevor, Blake, and Coraline; his great-grandson, Jaxon, whose video calls brought "Big Papa" so much joy. He was thrilled to find out that two more great-grandchildren will be joining the family soon. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, his parents, and many dear family and friends.

His final years were made brighter by the unwavering care and compassion of Miss Wendi, his devoted caregiver, whom the family lovingly considers an angel on earth. We could not have fulfilled his wish of remaining at home without her love, strength, and patience. Her presence in his life was a true blessing.

The family would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff at Hand-in-Hand Adult Day Center in Monroe, WI.  As well as Agrace HospiceCare, Inc. for their unwavering compassion, care, and support.

Skip is a man of grit, humor, and boundless generosity. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the loving family he built.

A gathering of relatives and friends will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 7, 2025, a memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m., at Cornerstone Lutheran Church, 1540 Old Highway 81, Argyle, WI.  Military Honors will be accorded.