Emma Mertsching nee Dommer, age 87, late of Thornton. Beloved wife of the late Kurt. Loving mother of Marlene (Ed) Nikowitz and Gerry (Teri) Mertsching. Fond former mother-in-law of Tami Hafner. Proud grandma of Jennifer and Jason (Cait) Nikowitz and Amanda, Grace and Marc Mertsching and step-grandma of 7. Dear sister of Rosemarie (Mitch) Sakey and the late Walter (late Joan) Dommer. Kind aunt of Rosemarie Durham. Emma was born in Dornbirn, Austria where she met Kurt. After Kurt's service in WWII, Kurt and Emma married in Germany. In 1952 they moved to Canada where they would live until their move to America in 1959. After Kurt retired, they spent all of their free time traveling. Emma was a talented seamstress. She loved to knit, crochet, and bake. Most importantly, she adored her grandchildren. Visitation Thursday, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. at Thornridge Funeral Home (Janusz Family Funeral Service) 15801 S. Cottage Grove Ave., four blocks North of 162nd St. (Rte. 6) Dolton/South Holland. A memorial dinner will be held at Aurelio's Pizza at 7:00 p.m., 18162 Harwood Ave., Homewood. Interment private. 708-841-2300 or thornridgefuneralhomes.com