Emerson C. Wolfgang

Emerson “Ems” Wolfgang

God wrapped his loving arms around a beloved husband, father, and pap. Emerson Charles Wolfgang, 77, of Ashland passed away Monday evening, October 2nd, 2023, at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville due to injuries sustained from an accident at home. 

Emerson was born in Ashland, September 25th, 1946, a son of the late Emerson “Pink” and Polly (Haas) Wolfgang.

Ems was a 1964 graduate of Ashland High School.

Employed for several years in his twenties by the former Alcoa Aluminum in Cressona, Ems has always had a passion for things discarded by others. His dabbling in the scrap business blazed a trail that led to his long-term success in residential waste management as well as his fifteen years in the septic business and his fervor for collecting all things vintage auto.

In 1978, Ems, along with his wife, Helen, bought a 300 residence garbage route and, within a year, doubled the number of customers they served. The route grew rapidly until they attained more than 1,200 loyal households. Customers in Butler Township and Gordon relied on the weekly trash services of Wolfgang Hauling for more than 30 years.

Ems, with his signature ‘John Wayne’ presence and strong demeanor, is known for his sense of humor and stories, some too fantastic to be anything but true. Many will remember Ems for his contagious laugh and personality that was larger than life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emerson “Pink” and Polly Wolfgang and son, Steven Wolfgang.

In addition to his wife he is survived by; sister Carol “Cookie” Wolfgang, Frackville; brother Gene “Beano” Wolfgang, FL; son Ron E. Wolfgang (Alison), Wyoming PA; grandson Steven Wolfgang, Ashland; granddaughter Emily Wolfgang, NY; granddaughter Katie Wolfgang, Wyoming PA; niece Jeanine Sanko (Chuck), Gordon; nephew Terry Smith (Louann Fickinger), Gordon; great nieces & nephews Cory, Brittny, Sammy and TJ.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday October 7th at Christ’s United Lutheran Church, 437 Airport Road, Ashland. A viewing for family and friends will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m at the church.  Burial will follow services at St. Joseph’s Cemetery-Fountain Springs.

Kull-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc. 901 Centre Street Ashland, PA 17921 has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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