Emil Lambert

Emil Gene Lambert, age 74 of Grosse Ile, MI passed peacefully in his sleep on January 25, 2025. He was a faithful husband to his wife, Yvonne (Smith) of 46 years since May 27, 1978.

A loyal father to Paul (Jennifer) Lambert and Laura (Daniel) Stone. A larger-than-life grandfather, known as “Papa,” to Mia Lambert, Ethan Lambert, Lily Stone & David Stone. He was preceded in death by his two devoted dads, Moscow Lambert (passed in 1953) and Peter Zaranko (passed in 2006), and is survived by his mother, Jean Zaranko (a Rosie the Riveter), and three brothers, Frank Lambert, Timothy Lambert, and James Lambert.

Emil was born in Wyandotte, Michigan on August 17, 1950. He graduated from Southgate Anderson High School in Michigan, and then went on to do anything and everything he could. He was a jack of all trades, working as a short-order cook, a car assembly line worker, a successful salesman and serial entrepreneur.

Emil never backed down from a challenge. He took calculated risks his whole life and miraculously won most of them. To some he was known as “Boomer” because of his booming voice that could be recognized immediately when someone walked into a crowded room. His quirky sense of humor brought on much laughter (and an occasional rolling of the eyes).

He had a insatiable appetite to learn and to help people. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it. His greatest joy in life was to be in business, be independent, and to be needed. Nothing made him happier than to be asked to help with a task, join a business venture, or do anything that required a hands-on approach.

Even with all these pursuits, his love and dedication to God and his church (The Church of Jesus Christ) was at the forefront of his mind. He made sure to constantly instill this love for the Lord in his children and grandchildren.

After receiving a diagnosis of NASH (liver disease), he fought valiantly and was gifted eleven more years by receiving a transplant from a selfless family friend.

An extraordinary life and personality like Emil’s is impossible to summarize in an obituary. He will be forever remembered by those who had the fortune of knowing him.