Emory was born on May 21, 1927 at St. Mary's Hospital to Emery and Ethel (Harris) Van Hook. He graduated from Rochester High School and immediately enlisted in the US Navy to fight in the South Pacific in World War II. Upon his return after the war, he completed a degree in hairdressing at the Rogers School of Hair Design in Minneapolis. He married Dorothy Marie McCarthy, a hairdressing colleague, on November 11, 1948, Armistice/Veterans Day and the only day they both had off, at Our Lady of Lake Catholic Church in Mound, MN.

He owned and operated beauty salons in Rochester at Miracle Mile and Northgate Center starting in the 1950s. Once semi-retired, he managed and operated beauty salons in several retirement and assisted living facilities in Rochester, including Madonna Towers and Bethany Samaritan.

Emory and his wife were active members of the St. Francis Faith Community. He was particularly honored to be a Eucharistic Minister and loved taking the Blessed Holy Communion to those unable to leave their homes. As a member of the Knights of Columbus, he rose to the level of Fourth Degree and served as Faithful Navigator and Grand Knight. He was proud of the Knights of Columbus as the symbolic defenders of the Catholic faith. Emory was an avid supporter of the Boy Scout of America in his youth and adulthood, and was instrumental in bringing the love, respect, and skills of outdoor life to many young men, including his own three sons. He was recognized with the Silver Beaver Award – one of the highest honors awarded to adult scouts.  Emory was also an avid gardener and enjoyed collecting and creating beautiful and unusual walking canes.

Dorothy, his wife of over 64 years, two daughters, and three sons survive him: Jane (John) Olive of Mantorville, John (Julie) Van Hook of Kasson, Daniel (Connie Bruce) Van Hook of Rochester, James (Amy) Van Hook of Portland, OR, and Tami (Jamie) White of LaGrange, GA. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren: Heidi, Jennifer, Melissa, Jordan, Alison, Katelyn, Duncan, Elizabeth, Victoria, Keegan, Hunter, Ainsley, and Kassidy; and seven great-grandchildren.  Two great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild are expected. His sister, Carolyn Kittley, and his grandson, Emery Van Hook, preceded him in death.

The family extends our thanks and gratitude for the wonderful care he received from the pulmonary physicians and staff of Domitilla 6B over the last month as well to the Olmsted Medical Center who supported him every step of the way these past few years.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  On-line condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.