Amy Emmel, age 51 of Bottineau, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2026 at a Grand Forks hospital. Her funeral will be held on Monday, August 10, 2026 at 10:00 am at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Visitation will be on Sunday from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.

Amy Lynn Ploium was born on November 9, 1974, to Albert (Al) and Janice (Jan) Ploium, and her 3 older sisters, at the Mercy Hospital, Devils Lake, ND. The family lived in the Sheyenne, ND, area until they moved to the farm outside Oberon, ND, when she was 5 yrs old. Amy attended kindergarten in Sheyenne, elementary school in Oberon, and then high school back in Sheyenne. Amy graduated Valedictorian of her small class in 1993.

Amy attended college in Valley City, ND, and then Bottineau, where she enjoyed the floral program. Amy was employed at the International Peace Garden for a couple of years. It was a great experience for her. She also worked as a secretary for MTI.

Amy met and dated Bill Emmel for 5 years. Bill first noticed Amy’s kickass boots and loved her sweet, kind personality. Amy married Bill, the love of her life, on October 19, 2002, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Bottineau, ND. Amy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) after they were married.

The other love of Amy’s life, Levi Albert, was born on February 21, 2007. MS showed its ugly self again after Levi was born. Amy and Levi spent several months in Oberon with Grandma Janice for care and support until Amy was strong enough to go home. Amy loved being a stay-at-home mom to Levi.

As a family, they enjoyed camping, fishing, and boating, and being out on “Amy’s” pontoon. Amy loved tending to her flowers, especially pansies. Amy also enjoyed the many family gatherings - she loved her family greatly.

Amy is survived by her husband, William (Bill) Levi Emmel, and their son, Levi Albert; sisters: Coreen Johnson (sons: James Johnson and Justin Johnson), Kim Christianson (Phil Caldwell) (children: Kyle Christianson and Kelli Nelson), and Laurel Westby (Neil) (children: Mallory Anton, Erin Cochran and Scott Westby); step-father Leslie Ferry; step-brothers: Merle, Scott, and Mark Ferry.

Amy is also survived by her mother-in-law Amy Nickel; sisters-in-law: Carey (Lonny Thorson) (children: Lee Booth (deceased) and Katrina Pasck) and Tammy Nickel (Monte); and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Amy was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Janice Ploium, Jr.; grandparents: Alvin and Blanche Stenberg and Albert and Loretta Ploium, Sr.; and several beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and nephew.

Amy’s burial is at Hillside Cemetery, Oberon, ND, beside her much-loved parents.