Irmgard Maria "Emmy" Knuuttila

Emmy Knuuttila

08/26/2024

Irmgard Maria "Emmy" Knuuttila, 83, of DeLand, Florida, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her beloved family, on August 26, 2024, officially retiring from her life's work at Emmy's Time Out Tavern. How does one capture the essence of a woman who spent over 30 years serving delicious German cuisine and prime rib?

Her spirit of caring for her customers and employees speaks for itself.

Born in Mannheim, Germany, Emmy married a soldier and dedicatedly moved her family across the globe each year to be near her husband until after the war. In 1975, the Knuuttila family settled in DeLand, where Emmy opened a hair salon on Rich Avenue. She also worked as a waitress, and, with her signature red beehive hair, served at Dunkin' Donuts when it operated as a full-service restaurant.

Her entrepreneurial spirit truly blossomed with Emmy’s Beer and Wine, where, in the early days, the juke box profits paid the mortgage. Back then, draft beer sold for just 40 cents a glass. Emmy later expanded her business ventures with the opening of Nashville Station, combining a bar with her hair salon. Eventually, she consolidated her efforts into what became the beloved Emmy's Time Out Tavern, a staple of the DeLand community for over three decades.

Emmy’s passion for life extended beyond her businesses. She traveled the world, embarking on over 60 cruises, and earned a reputation for hitting jackpots. An avid Dallas Cowboys fan, she organized trips for fans, chartering buses to Tampa during football season. She was also a dedicated card player and a woman who radiated warmth, greeting everyone she met with a famous hug, smile, and the feeling that they were family.

Emmy leaves behind her two sons, Mark and Bobby; her cherished grandchildren, Sean, Allie, Nathan, and Natalie; and four great-grandchildren. Her beloved Chihuahua, Chulie (whom she affectionately called Chloe), and her Yorkie, Gabby, also remain a part of her enduring legacy.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, August 31, 2024, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Lankford Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at DeLand Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Local Amvets or Veterans Group of your choice.