Emil E. Celli

Visitation for Emil E. Celli, 94, of Lake Zurich, Illinois, will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10:00 AM until the time of the Funeral Service at 12:00 PM at the Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home in Lake Zurich, Illinois. Burial will immediately follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Barrington, Illinois.

Emil passed away on September 4, 2026. Born and raised in Chicago, Emil later moved to Lake Zurich, where he settled down to raise his family and build a life he was proud of.

Emil proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, an experience that shaped the discipline, grit, and quiet honor he carried with him for the rest of his life.

Outside of his service, Emil found joy in the open road on his Harley Davidson, in the gleam of a classic car, and in the quiet satisfaction of tending his garden. But more than anything, he will be remembered for the way he showed up for people — a strong, virtuous mentor and friend to everyone lucky enough to know him. He could be stubborn at times, but those who knew him best knew his heart was always in the right place.

Emil is survived by his son, Emil Celli; his grandchildren, Brian Celli, Lauren Celli, Kristina Bellew, Natalie Russ (Hill) and Josh Hill and several cherished great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved children, Ernie and Cathy Celli.