Wayne "Mickey" Emmel

Wayne Wallace “Mickey” Emmel, 90, of Prairie City, Oregon, passed away on January 12, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM PST at the Prairie Baptist Church in Prairie City, Oregon, with Pastor Brian Hardesty and Mr. Mat Carter officiating. A reception will follow at the Prairie City Senior Center.

Wayne Wallace Emmel was born on April 20, 1934, at his grandfather’s house in Stafford Township, North Dakota, to Walter Charles and Lena (Wisdahl) Emmel.

Wayne was known as “Mickey” to all his family and friends. He graduated from 8th grade and then went on to receive a certificate in Diesel Mechanics from A&M Tech in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

Mickey started his career raising animals in Georgia with 40,000 laying hens. He and his family gathered eggs three times a day. Mickey would drive the eggs to town to be sold. In 1969, he and his brother Romayne “Mike” and their family started the Emmel Brothers Ranch in Prairie City, Oregon. He worked at the ranch from 1969 until his health began to deteriorate in recent years.

Mickey was known in the community for raising pigs for the 4-H kids of Grant County. He and his nephew David started Strawberry Mountain Pork together after David caught a greased pig at the Grant County Fair. It happened to be a sow, so they began a breeding program for raising piglets to sell to 4-H’ers. Then, after David’s passing, Uncle Mickey continued the practice of selling the 4-H hogs. This was a passion of his. He could often be found enjoying his hobbies, which included fencing and tending to the pigs, chickens, cattle, and other animals on the ranch. He loved horses and taking care of them, which he passed that love to his nieces and great-nieces. He was known to enjoy working with wood. He built most of his own furnishings and multiple outbuildings that still stand out on the ranch. He enjoyed listening to old classic country music, including Sons of the Pioneers, Ray Stevens, and others.

He was a member of the Prairie Baptist Church. His family asked to share his favorite bible verse with everyone, John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

It is with sorrow and heavy hearts that we say Happy Trails to you, Uncle Mickey. We will miss you and forever hold your memories close.

Wayne is survived by his sister-in-law, Helen Emmel of Prairie City; nephews Darrell (Paula), and Douglas (Deborah), both of Prairie City; niece Denise Harmon (Bill) of Baker City; his great-nephews Luke Emmel (Michaela), Timothy Emmel (Jessica), Triston Emmel (Jacqueline), and Jake Ellson; great-nieces Sheryl Emmel, Jessica Hilton (Ted), Reagan Fuzi (Jake), Alena Rose (John), and Rilee Emmel (Fiancé Opie); great-great nephews Trevor Emmel and Tanner Hilton; and great-great nieces Austin Hilton, Whitley Emmel, Elsie Emmel, and Ellie Emmel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Lena Emmel, his brother Romayne “Mike” Emmel, and his nephew David Emmel.

A private family interment will occur on the Emmel Brothers Ranch.

Memorial contributions may be made to Prairie City 4-H Community Club in Mickey’s honor through Driskill Memorial Chapel at 241 S. Canyon Blvd., John Day, Oregon 97845. To offer online condolences to Mickey’s family, please visit www.driskillmemorialchapel.com.