Wayne Emerson

Wayne Kenneth Emerson, lovingly known as Mr. E or Emer, passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, after a long gallant fight to live. He was born Kenneth Wayne Emerson on December 10, 1952, in Moorhead, MN, to Kenneth and Eleanor Emerson.  Wayne's life was filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments.

Wayne atttended school in Barnesville and graduated from Barnesville High School in 1970.  In his Junior High through 10th grade years, he played Football and Basketball.  He was an honor student and sang in the choir (if he was placed next to Dale Rollie who could gently pull on his choir robe to keep him in tune).  Throughout all of the years he played Legion baseball.  He pushed himself through Moorhead State University and earned his teaching degree in three years. On August 3, 1974, he married Gloria Nygard at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Barnesville, MN. As life and teaching continued, he earned his Master’s degree in reading.  In his free time, Wayne played fast-pitched softball for years with the Wolverton team. Softball became a staple of family entertainment during summer weekends and created a lifetime of crazy memories.  
 
Wayne was a dedicated teacher who touched the lives of many students during his time at Dilworth and Glyndon Elementary Schools.  His classroom was a place of energy and heart, where he provided loving encouragement to every student. Known for always having Dum-Dums suckers at hand, Wayne made learning a sweet experience for all. He also volunteered his time to develop an elementary basketball league and coached various girls' basketball teams up to the varsity level for many years.
 
One of Wayne's proudest coaching achievements was with the DGF girls’ softball teams and their successes becoming state champions. His famous phrase "ducks on the pond" resonated through the fields as he led teams to numerous state-level trips. He even had the honor of walking out and being recognized at the Target Field during a MN Twins game with his beloved DGF softball team.  
 
Wayne spent countless summers running a painting crew at many countless projects which has led to countless stories and a few cold beer(s) stop after a long day.  Beyond teaching, coaching, and painting, Wayne had a gift for gab and a knack for selling shoes and t-shirts in the “Doghouse” especially after midnight.  He also enjoyed capturing special moments as a videographer for weddings and events. He kept himself entertained by listening to sports talk radio and reading the sports sections daily of the Star-Tribune and the Forum.  
 
Wayne's infectious humor and endless clean (and sometimes not so clean) jokes brought joy to those around him. He cherished his family dearly, especially his wife Gloria, daughters Jamie (Brian) Scoles and Lindsey (Brandon) Emerson-Bueling, grandchildren: Emerson-Jean Scoles, Ari Bueling, and Harrison Homelvig.  In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by brother Kip Emerson, sisters Karen Winsor and Susie Olson, sister-in-law JoAnn Emerson, and the Nygard family which he treasured.  He is also survived by many near and dear educators, friends, countless students and athletes, too numerous to mention.  

Those who have preceded him in death include grandson Landon Scoles, his parents Kenneth and Eleanor Emerson, brother Bruce Emerson, brothers-in-law Robert Winsor and Myles Olson, and sister-in-law Donna Emerson.  
 
There will be a visitation at Dobmeier Funeral & Cremation Service in Barnesville on Sunday, June 2, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM closing the evening with some storytelling and prayers.  The visitation will continue from Noon to 1 PM in Glyndon on Monday.  A celebration of Wayne's life will be held at Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton High School in Glyndon on Monday, June 3, 2024, at 1:00 PM.  
 
Wayne's legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched with his humor, kindness, and dedication. As we remember Mr. E with fondness in our hearts and laughter on our lips, may we continue to cherish the memories he created during his time with us.

Wayne Emerson, 71, Barnesville, MN, died on May 22, 2024, at Sanford in Fargo, ND.  Visitation will be held at Dobmeier Funeral Home in Barnesville, MN, on Sunday, June 2, from 5:00 -7:00 pm, with sharing time beginning at 7:00 pm. A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 3, at 1:00 pm at the Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton High School in Glyndon, MN, with visitation one hour prior to the service.