Emmalena was born in Ferndale, CA December 17, 1916 to Fred and Bertha Winkler. She was raised in Ferndale, graduated from Ferndale High School in 1934, then attended Humboldt State College where she graduated in 1936. After that she was employed by Humboldt State College for President Gist and later employed by Arcata Elementary School District as a financial specialist until her retirement.

As a resident of Arcata, she was a member of the Arcata Business Girls, Native Daughters of the Golden West, and the Friendship Circle Club. Emmalena was a founding member of the Merry Melody Makers of Arcata, a group who enjoyed singing together and making others happy through their music. She was active with the Arcata and Eureka Senior Centers and the Sew What Club, a group of local ladies whose friendship dates back to the 1930’s. She was actively involved in numerous community and university organizations and a loyal supporter of local sports.

Emmalena is survived by her children, Glen and Denise Thomson of Sacramento, Alice and Jack Buehler of Redding.

Grandchildren: John and Rhonda Buehler of Rockville, MD, Mark Buehler of Eureka, CA, Elizabeth and Greg Del Cid of Sacramento, and Heidi Thomson of Sacramento. And 5 great-grandchildren.

Nieces and Nephews: Marie and Fritz Brunner of Las Vegas, Dorothy and Ron Nelson of Kneeland, Debbie Wolter of Redding, Pam and Dave White of Eureka, Larry Thomson of Elk Grove, CA, Hilary Huyck of Big Bear Lake, CA, Helen Winkler of Fort Bragg, CA, John and Aiona Winkler of British Columbia, Canada, Wendy Winkler of Goleta, CA, Wes Winkler of Bakersfield, and Wynette Winkler of Goleta CA.

She is survived by her brother, Edwin and Winkler of Goleta, CA

Emmalena was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Bertha Winkler, her husband Carl Thomson, brother Ernest Winkler and nephew Gary Thomson.

There will be a Visitation from 12:00-8:00pm on Thursday April 24, 2008 at Paul’s Chapel in Arcata. Friday, April 25 is a Graveside service at Ocean View Cemetery, Eureka, 1:00pm with Pastor David Groe officiating.

Memorial Contributions may be made to:

Arcata Nutritional Center-Home Delivered Meals

c/o Eureka Resource Center, 1910 California Street, Eureka, CA 95501 or to your favorite charity.

Arrangements are under the care of Paul’s Chapel of Arcata.