Emil Robert Straka, 84, of Brookings, SD, passed away Thursday, March 31, 2022, in the comfort of his home under the loving care of home health staff following a brief but complicated illness. Emil was born on March 12, 1938, in Saint Paul, MN to Emil G. and Ruth Gladys (Porter) Straka. He graduated in 1956 from Humboldt High School in Saint Paul. In 1960 Emil earned a B.A degree at Macalester College where he studied physics and mathematics. Shortly thereafter, he taught in the physics department at Central Oklahoma State College, Edmond, OK. Emil was encouraged to continue advanced studies and did so at Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI and earned a Master's Degree in physics. From there he moved to Worcester, MA for further studies in physics and was recruited to a team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute for a U.S. Air Force research project that was awarded to Bendix Corporation. This was the beginning of his career in industrial physics. Emil's team worked on the infant technology for night vision goggles, which, years later became famous when America watched the First Iraq War on TV. Emil married Nell Edge and together they had three sons: Randy, Jeff and Brian. He moved his family to California in 1969 where he worked at Varian Associates, Palo Alto, and then Hewlett Packard in Cupertino, CA for 20 years. His team developed and supported the atomic clock, the world's most accurate clock, used for time standards, satellites and navigation. Emil holds several patents for projects he developed.

He married Jan Douglas (Gullickson) in 1988. When he retired in 1999 he and Jan moved to Arroyo Grande on the Central Coast of California. There they enjoyed meeting new friends including a church family, and traveling around the U.S., Canada and Europe. Emil's family was his treasure and life's trophy. He loved being Dad, Papa and husband. Emil was an avid conversationalist in topics that ranged from theology to theoretical physics. He also enjoyed fishing, hockey, photography, astronomy, building model airplanes and the Jackrabbits!!! He did extensive study of the Holy Bible and taught many Bible studies. Born into a family of classical musicians, Emil had a passionate  appreciation for classical music. In 2017 Emil and Jan moved from California to Brookings, S.D. He enjoyed the people and the peacefulness of the prairie. Emil is a member of Ascension Lutheran Church in Brookings.

Emil is survived by his wife, Jan; three sons, Randy, Jeff (Kathy), Brian (Sara); four grandchildren, Dean, Danielle, Sam, Evie; his sister Ruth Ruiz and several cousins. Emil was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be 11:00 am Friday, April 8, 2022, at Ascension Lutheran Church in Brookings. Family will greet friends beginning at 10:00 am in the Welcome Center. The service begins at 11:00, followed by a buffet lunch for all guests.