Bill Emerich

Bill Emerich
September 14, 1957 - October 29, 2025

Bill Emerich was born September 14th 1957 to William Emerich and Pat Emerich (Gorrell) in Merced California. He passed away on October 29th, 2025, age 68, after a brief illness. He is preceded in death by his father William Emerich, and his sister Tami Kirby. He is survived by his mother Pat and his brother Tim. His nieces Amber Kirby and Erika Finch, and great-niece Akira Finch, and great-nephews Ryder Kirby and Asher Finch, and his loyal dog Jake.

Bill studied Auto Mechanics at California Polytechnic State University. Returning home he began work at Sears at Merced Mall. Over the years he also worked at the Starlite Drive-In and Merced Theatres, was carpenter, bartender/bouncer, ranch hand, painter, and owned his own tree trimming service. He was an amazing guitarist, singer and songwriter. He was his brother Tim's musical hero and taught him how to play the guitar. Bill especially loved the music of Merle Haggard, Jim Croce and James Taylor.

Bill loved riding motorcycles and working on the many hot rods he had owned. He would often be on his way home from the store with parts to work on his cars, but end up helping a stranger who was stranded on the side of the road with their hood open. He always made sure someone in distress made it home with a working vehicle.

He loved fishing, going to estate sales, thrift shops and flea markets with his mother Pat, and loved collecting Hot Wheels with his great-nephew Ryder.

Bill gave his heart to God. He will be remembered for his generosity and will be greatly missed. But nobody will miss him more than his mother Pat who loved him more than anything.

His service will be at 10 a.m. on Monday November 17th, 2025 at United Methodist Church of Merced, 899 Yosemite Parkway in Merced California, where a gathering and lunch for loved ones will follow.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bill Emerich, please visit our flower store.