Bruce Emerson

Bruce Emerson, age 82, of Moorhead, MN, formerly of Baker, MN, died on Monday, May 15, 2023 at Essentia Hospital in Fargo, ND. 

David Bruce Emerson was born on March 26, 1941 to Kenneth and Eleanor (Bjordahl) Emerson in Barnesville, MN.  He grew up in Wolverton, MN and helped on the family farm.  He was baptized and confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in Wolverton.  He attended school and graduated from Barnesville High School in 1959.  During his high school years he played football.  Following high school, Bruce went to basic training and served in the National Guard for a couple of years.  He attended Dakota Business College in Fargo.  He worked at the grain elevators in Wolverton, Davenport, ND, and Baker, MN.  He then worked at the Barnesville Public Schools for about 10 years, and then worked in facility management in NDSU in Fargo for 20 years.  He took great pride in keeping his building shiny and spotless.  Bruce also bartended and shared jokes for several years at the American Legion and Galaxy Supper Club in Barnesville.    

On November 6, 1965, he was united in marriage to JoAnn Stephenson at North Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Pelican Rapids, MN.  They made their home in Wolverton, and moved to Baker, MN where they lived for about 40 years.  They then moved to Moorhead in 2015.  Bruce suffered from Parkinson’s Disease and became a resident at Eventide in Moorhead in 2016. 

Bruce will be remembered for his uncanny sense of humor, who had the gift to remember Ole and Lena jokes, and many more.  He was kindhearted and a hard worker.  He greatest joy was his wife, daughters, and grandchildren.  He was proud to share their accomplishments and attend as many events as he could.  In true Emerson fashion he would cry when he was happy and cry when he was sad.  When he was needed he was there.  He enjoyed playing cribbage and whist.  Dancing, watching the MN Twins and the Bison, were some of his favorite pastimes.  He was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Barnesville Rod N Club, and Bison Team Makers.  Bruce celebrated his sobriety for over 40 years. 

Bruce is survived by his wife JoAnn Emerson, of Moorhead, MN, two daughters Jennifer (Steve) McGregor and Heidi (Greg) Wahl-McDonald both of Bismarck, ND, three grandchildren: Megan McGregor, Faith Wahl, Tyler Wahl, siblings:  Karen Winsor of Libertyville, IL, Kip Emerson of Osakis, MN, Susie Olson of Thief River Falls, MN, Wayne (Gloria) Emerson, of Barnesville, MN, and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Eleanor, in laws:  Robert Winsor, Donna Emerson, Myles Olson. 

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Monday, May 22, 2023, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Barnesville, MN with Rev. Chris Leach officiating.  Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Sabin, MN. 

Visitation will be from 3-6 PM, Sunday, May 21, 2023, at Dobmeier Funeral Home in Barnesville, MN with a Prayer Service at 5:00 PM.  Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the funeral service on Monday. 

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donation be given to a charity of your choice or donate to the Pastor Streed Chapel Fund at Eventide Nursing Home Moorhead.