EAGLE RIVER - 16-year-old Emmett Klessig died this past Saturday. He was diagnosed with blastomycosis on New Year's Day, but had been sick since late November.

His family says they thought Emmett had a cold but then he got progressively worse. Emmett was first diagnosed with pneumonia but then doctors later determined he had blasto.



Six days after their son Emmett's death, David & Tracy Klessig visited Northland Pines High School in Eagle River to empty his locker. 16-year-old Emmett Klessig lost his battle with a rare fungal fungal disease called blastomycosis.

David Klessig, Emmett's father, says "It was hard, but at least he's resting comfortably now and he doesn't have to fight that fight anymore."

Blastomycosis is an invisible spore that is breathed in when soil is disturbed, and usually takes about 30 to 100 days for symptoms to start. Emmett's parents say their son was an avid outdoor enthusiast and believe he most likely contracted the disease last fall.

Tracy Klessig, Emmett's mother, says "Emmett was outside all the time. We were hunting, fishing, camping. He slept on the ground without tents."

Although the Klessig's believe their son's love for the outdoors contributed to his death, they wouldn't discourage his passion for the outdoors.

David Klessig says "Be aware it exists."

Tracy Klessig says "But don't be a afraid of it. Don't be afraid to go outside and play in the grass. And let your children be children. They have to fall. They have to have bumps. They have to eat dirt. That's part of being a child."

Emmett was known at Northland Pines as an outgoing sophomore with a lively spirit.

Pat Sullivan, the Principal at Northland Pines High School, says "He was the kind of kid who had peers spread throughout different groups."

Tracy Klessig says "He wasn't afraid to make new friends. He always said hi to you. To the kids that most people wouldn't talk to, Emmett did. And even to those who were really popular he would say hi."

Pat Sullivan says "As a parent myself, when my kids are older I want them to be like Emmett in the sense that he was nice to other kids. He was a friendly kid who a lot of kids liked and we're all going to miss him."

While the Klessig's can't bring Emmett back, they say they have a messsage for others... to appreciate their loved ones.

David Klessig says "If somebody you loves in the room, a friend, relative, son, daughter, it doesn't matter. Just take a chance, give them a hug and tell them you love them. Because our son was taken from us really early and we don't have another chance.

Tracy Klessig says "Just tell them you love them."

Emmet's parents want to stress that the disease is not always deadly, and it is not contagious. They also say that it is important to ask your doctor to check for the disease if you have symptoms of a pneumonia or bronchytis.

There is a memorial fund and two fundraisers set up for Emmett Klessig at First National Bank in Eagle River.

There are also two fundraisers being held in the next few weeks.

The first one takes place on Tuesday, January 15th at Northland Pines High School during the boys and girls basketball games.

There will also be a spaghetti dinner on February 9th from 5 until 8 at Northland Pines.

The dinner will take place in the commons area.