Ross Emerson

Celebration of life for Ross Gordon Emerson, 66, of rural Gilbert will be 10:30 am Friday, June 30, 2017 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Palo with Pastor Eric Thiele officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are by the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora. Ross died Sunday, June 25, 2017 at Essentia Health-Virginia. Ross was born on June 6, 1951 to Gordon and Marinette (Fuhs) Emerson in Detroit Lakes. He grew up in Detroit Lakes graduating from Detroit Lakes High School, Class of 1969. Ross was united in marriage to Karen Alto on November 6, 1971 in Callaway, MN. Ross had been employed by Erie Mining/LTV Steel for 32 years until the company’s closure. Ross was a talented artist, having creating several beautiful paintings and carvings. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being outdoors where he felt the closest to God. Ross took the greatest pleasure in being “Papa” to five precious grandchildren who were the light of his life. He was a proud member of the US Steelworker’s Union #4108, founded the Taconite Chapter of Minnesota Deer hunters Association, Past President of the Northwood Sportsman’s Club, and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Palo. Survivors include his wife of 45 years: Karen; two children: Ryan Emerson of Staples and Courtney (Brian) Hueller of Coon Rapids; five grandchildren: Aleigh, Nicholas, and Sophie Emerson, Chloe and Ross Thomas Hueller; one sister: Lisa (Brad) Ierien of Duluth; brother-in-law: Edward (Anita) Alto of Palo; sister-in-law: Cheryl (Richard) Listemaa of Makinen; as well as several nieces, nephews, and godchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers: Paul and Tracey; a sister, Loree; and his parents.