Emerson, Michael R. -- 1947 - 2011Michael R. Emerson 1947-2011
EMERSON, CARROLL, BATTIEN, SIRES, GEE
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 6/28/2012 at 16:16:53
Source: Decorah Public Opinion May 24, 2011
Michael R. Emerson, 63, of Cedar Rapids, died Tuesday May 17, 2011, at his home after a long battle with cancer. Funeral Mass was 10 a.m. Saturday, May 21, at St. Ludmila’s Church, with Rev. Tom McDermott officiating. Burial was at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends visited at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, where there was a vigil service at 5 p.m.
Mike was born Aug 19, 1947 in Decorah, to William and Patricia Emerson. He married Marilyn Carroll, in Monona Aug. 7, 1971. Mike graduated from Decorah High School and North Iowa Area Community College. He also received extensive continuing professional education at several universities, armorer schools and the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.
In 2002 Mike retired as a lieutenant after 32 years on the Cedar Rapids Police Department. Mike served as a patrolman, firearms instructor, range officer, quartermaster and defensive tactics trainer. He led the special problems and negotiations team and served on the bomb squad. In 1982-’83 Mike served as president of the Iowa Chiefs of Police and Peace Officers. In 1989 he placed fourth in the nation at the police combat national shooting competition.
In March of this year, Chief Graham and officers from the CRPD and other agencies presented Mike with a plaque and the honor of naming the police gun range the “Michael R. Emerson Police Range Facility.”
After retirement, Mike worked briefly for the Transportation Security Administration and then as a bailiff in the federal courthouse. When not working, Mike could be found on a golf course; he was an avid and excellent golfer.
Mike is survived by his family: his wife, Marilyn; his daughters Annie (Mike) Battien of Cedar Rapids, and Jill (Devin) Sires of Clive; his son Dale (Jenny) Emerson of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren Colin and Alec Battien, Jacob, Aubrey and Emerson Sires, and Aaliyah, Brooklyn and Brayden Emerson; his sister Pamela Gee of Vicksburg, Miss.; several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, and one granddaughter Jada Battien.
A memorial fund has been established. Contributions will go toward a donation to the Hospice House of Mercy and a memorial bench at Jones Park Golf Course.
Transcribed from a newspaper clipping submitted by Janice Sowers
Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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