RICHFIELD SPRINGS - Walter F. Emmelmann, 88, formerly of Cooperstown, entered into eternal rest Sunday evening, Feb. 29, 2004, in Mohawk Valley Nursing Home, Ilion, after a long illness. He was born March 23, 1915, in Germany, where he was raised and educated. In 1957, he and his family came to the United States and settled in Connecticut. He founded Plastiform Corp., which was the first expanded polystyrene company in the northeast. He was president of the company and ran it until his retirement, when he and his wife moved to Cooperstown. Walter was of the Lutheran faith. He was a member of the Richfield Springs Lions Club. Besides the great enjoyment he received from operating his company, his leisure time was spent hunting and gardening. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 59 years, Ingeborg, on Dec. 10, 2001. Mr. Emmelmann is survived by a daughter, Inga and her husband Allan Rudd of Jordanville; one son, Peter and his wife Pat Emmelmann of Broad Brook, Conn.; four grandchildren, Thomas and his wife Kelly Rudd of Canyon, Texas, Stephanie Rudd of Jordanville, Brad Emmelmann of Vernon, Conn. and Marc Emmelmann of Rochester. Funeral service will be private and at the convenience of the family. The family wishes to thank the second floor staff of Mohawk Valley Nursing Home for their wonderful care and compassion during Walter's stay. Funeral arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs.