Emil W Schlabaugh

Emil Wesley Schlabaugh was born on January 26, 1927 in Sharon Center, Iowa, the son of Mahlon and Kate (Miller) Schlabaugh. Emil attended Boone County School and Sharon Center High School. He owned Schlabaugh and Sons Woodworking, along with two of his sons. On June 30, 1950 Emil was united in marriage to Imogene Gingerich at Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church. He was a member of Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church. Emil was a charter member of the Kalona Optimist Club and lifelong member of the Kalona Golf Course, where he enjoyed early morning rounds with his golfing crew. Emil and Imogene enjoyed traveling across the country to art shows for Schlabaugh and Sons. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, cheering on the Dodgers, woodworking and had two-holes-in one on the golf course. He passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Pleasantview Home in Kalona at the age of 99, surrounded by his family. 

Emil is survived by his five children. Steve (Dixie) Schlabaugh of Kalona, Mark (Doreen) Schlabaugh of Kalona, John (Jane) Schlabaugh of Kalona, Mary Ann (Tim) Gaffey of Iowa City and David (Julie) Schlabaugh of Mt. Vernon. His 14 grandchildren are: Ryan (Stephanie) Schlabaugh; Jenny (Chad) Gillam, Clint (Jen) Schlabaugh, Brooke Schlabaugh, Rebecca (Willie) Bender, Kevin Schlabaugh, Kirk (Maria) Schlabaugh, Hannah (Tony Galliani) Schlabaugh, Megan (Daniel Elchert) Schlabaugh, Kara (Erjon Cuko) Schlabaugh, Lindsay (Corbin) Blythe, Zach (Sarah) Schlabaugh, Carly (Ryan) Aviles, Gabe Schlabaugh and 21 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his 3 brothers; Delmar, Ralph and Omar Schlabaugh and three sisters; Idella Brenneman, Barb Schlabach and Gladys Schlabaugh. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Pleasantview Home and Iowa City Hospice for the wonderful care they provided for Emil and his family.

The visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Monday, June 15th at Powell Funeral Home in Kalona. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, June 16th at Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church in rural Kalona. The burial will be at the Lower Deer Creek Cemetery in rural Kalona. A memorial fund has been established for the Kalona Fire Department, Kalona First Responders and Iowa City Hospice. Powell Funeral Home in Kalona is caring for Emil and his family. Tributes may be made at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.