Emil (Junior) Rebensdorf, Jr. was born on August 24th, 1941 in Fresno, California. His parents, Emil Rebensdorf, Sr. and Eunice (Oxley) Rebensdorf lived in Easton California on the family homestead and raised their two children, Junior and Jeanette. Upon graduation from Washington Union High School in 1961 Junior enrolled and attended Fresno City College for a year before deciding to enlist in the Navy. Junior was in the Navy for a little more than a year when his dad passed away and he needed to return home to run the family farm. Junior married Kjersti (Kris) Pursell in 1964 and they spent the next 55 years together on that farm.

Junior was hired by Fresno Irrigation District in 1965 and spent the next 38 years with the organization until he retired in 2003. Much of his time was spent as a heavy equipment operator. In addition to working at the District, he still had to tend to the family farm after work and on weekends. Needless to say, Junior was a very hard worker dedicated to taking care of his family.

Junior enjoyed the outdoors as a kid growing up. He loved to hunt and fish, and his grandparents' property in the hills above Fresno was one of his favorite hangouts. As Junior entered early adulthood, family outings were spent in the mountains – camping and fishing at different lakes. When he wasn't in the mountains, Junior would pack up the family and head to Morro Bay for some deep-sea fishing adventures and clamming in Pismo. Later in life Junior took up metal detecting. He loved to metal detect looking for old coins, rings, and other treasures (he wasn't fond of bottlecaps). I can still hear him say, "Look at this ring that I found for you Kris!"…and she would love it.

Junior also loved rooting for his San Francisco Giants and birdwatching from his favorite chair. But his greatest treasure of all was always Kjersti. Junior loved her more than life itself. Any relationship will go through ups and downs, and they had their share, but through it all their love for each other was evident and everlasting. Junior spent the last four years without his true love-he talked about how much he missed Kris all the time. You are now together again and forever.

Junior passed away on October 19, 2024. He is survived by his sister Jeanette Hurley (Larry), daughter Renee Mastriana, son Derrick Rebensdorf (Michele), son Ryan Rebensdorf (Debbie), several grandkids and great grandkids, and many other family and friends. He was loved by all and will be missed. A special thanks to Toni Hurley, Junior's niece, and Debbie for their continued support and assistance over the last four years.

A graveside service will be held at Washington Colony Cemetery on November 15th at 10AM. There will be a celebration of life at the Rebensdorf home following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Veterans (Fresno VA CDCE – phone # 559-225-6100 x 5364, Sandra Barrera), or
to your favorite charity in his memory.