On April 15, 1939, Emmette Burrell Land married his wife Kathleen in Ottumwa, Iowa. A few years later, the couple moved to DeKalb, Illinois, where they remained the rest of their lives and raised their family. Emmette worked for Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Company as a farm appraiser; Kathleen was his secretary. 

Emmette's love of athletics and the values they bring were matched by the importance he placed on education during his life. He passed away in 1998, at the age of 87. 

Following his death, Kathleen and the children established the Emmett

B. Land Memorial Scholarship Fund at the DeKalb County Community Foundation as a lasting tribute to his legacy. The Land children recall their father's encouragement of "getting that degree," something he had not been able to do. The scholarship benefitted a graduating DeKalb High School student who met the award criteria.  

In 2011, Kathleen passed away. At her children's request, the Fund was renamed to the Emmette and Kathleen Land Memorial Scholarship Fund, honoring the memory and legacy of both their parents.