Robert Frederick Emerson

Robert Frederick Emerson, 86, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Regional Medical Center in Manchester, Iowa.  He was born on August 1, 1936 in Howard, South Dakota, the son of Reuben and Marie (Anderson) Emerson. Bob graduated from high school in Wykoff, Minnesota in 1953.

On June 19, 1954, Bob was united in marriage to Marilyn Hendrickson at Cherry Grove, Minnesota. Bob began his working career with Jamesway Manufacturing in the office and as a salesman, working in Wykoff, Minnesota, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin and Pine City, Minnesota.  In 1959, Bob and Marilyn moved to Manchester and started Emerson Hatchery and Feed. Bob was a hard worker and kept very busy. He started Emerson Feed & Grain, was a salesman for Harvestor Silos, worked at Heinold Commodities as a commodity broker, and also had Bob’s Coins. Bob worked as a realtor at First State Realty and Howard’s Jewelry as a salesman. Bob and Marilyn bought their first of six Hallmark stores in 1976.

He was a very active member of the community; Jaycees (Boss of the Year in 1975), Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce and Manchester Country Club, serving as president for all three. Bob was on the Church Council for First Lutheran, an Eagle Scout, and was Manchester Most Progressive Business Man in 1969. He was Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year (1974-1975), Planning and Zoning Board president and on the First State Bank Board of Directors.

Bob enjoyed flying his Cessna airplane, reading, fishing, tennis, the Iowa Hawkeyes, Minnesota Vikings, and playing cards. Bob and Marilyn loved traveling in their motor home alone and with their children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed coffee with his buddies, wintering in Arizona, bowling, coin collecting and horse racing ownership. Bob loved his many family vacations to Evergeen Lodge. His greatest joy was spending time with Marilyn and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of almost 69 years, Marilyn Emerson of Manchester, his four children, Steve (Kristi) Emerson of Mount Pleasant, Randy (Shelly) Emerson of Decorah, Jim (Shari) Emerson of Park Rapids, Minnesota,  and Susan (Mark) Goebel of Masonville; seven grandchildren, Mitchell Emerson, Jason Emerson, Kyle (Kailey) Emerson, Tyler (Sarah) Goebel, Erin (Will) Preussner, Ashley Goebel, Kaelan Emerson; two great-grandchildren, Khloe and Kiana Emerson; his brother, Doug Emerson; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Marianne (Paul) Fligge, in laws, Kenny (Evelyn) Mensink, and Lois Emerson.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Regional Medical Center or Care Initiatives Hospice Care.

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