Emil ‘Buddy’ Popke was born June 23, 1925 in Danbury, Connecticut, to Emil Julius Sr. and Florence Popke. Emil had four older sisters, Beatrice, Marie, Arlene, and Ruth. After Emil attained his diploma from Danbury High School he attended Dartmouth College where he earned his degree in geology, graduating in 1949. During Emil’s college years he met his first wife, Joan Stephens, shortly served with the Naval Air Corps, and was the general manager of the campus radio station, which spurred the beginning of a 30-year career in broadcasting.

Emil and Joan moved to Michigan in 1951 and had two children, Donna and Bruce Popke. In 1953 Emil moved to Kalamazoo. In the early 1960s Emil became the General Manager of the WKMI radio station. While working there Emil met his second wife, Nancy Gruizenga. The two got married on May 22, 1964. Emil and Nancy had two sons, Jeff and Jon Popke. In 1963 Mr. Popke acquired the WYYY radio station, AM 1470. Under Emil’s management the radio station became the highest rated rock station in Kalamazoo. Thanks to the success of the radio station, Emil was able to involve himself in other business ventures. Emil had owned the Dutch Treat Bakery, Wayside Lanes bowling alley, and the Colony Night room club. In the 1980s Emil get out of the radio business and started a Superbook coupon franchise. Emil and Nancy ran the successful franchise together for 15 years, having locations in more than half a dozen cities across Indiana and Michigan. Nancy Popke died in 2007 of early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease.

During his time in Kalamazoo Emil was active within the community, specifically with the Kiwanis Club. Emil served as the President of the Portage Kiwanis from 1978-1980, and as Lt. Governor of Division 13 of the Michigan District in the 1990-1991. In his twilight years, Emil, and his sister Ruth, inspired by the Kalamazoo Promise, established the Popke Family Otsego Scholarship Fund. Which was created to give graduates of Otsego High School extra funding if they needed, although the students must have at least a 2.75 gpa, and maintain through college. Also they must be full-time students attending a “degree-granting institution” with preference toward applicant in financial need. Emil Popke died in his home on May 24, 2012.