Daniel "Dan" Emerson 1933 - 2005

EMERSON, GILBERT

Posted By: Connie Swearingen -Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/17/2019 at 20:24:40

Sioux City Journal
11 October 2005

Daniel "Dan" Emerson, 71, of Salinas, Calif., formerly of Sioux City, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2005, at his residence following a lengthy struggle with failing health.

Services will be 1:30 p.m. today at Struve and Laporte Funeral Chapel in Salinas. Condolences may be sent online to www.struveandlaporte.com.

Dan was born Oct. 25, 1933, in Sioux City. He graduated from East High School, where he participated in football, basketball and track. He was also involved in both vocal and instrumental music programs. He was active in the Boy Scouts and obtained the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 13. He served in the U.S. Army for two years. He received his bachelor of science degree from Morningside College in Sioux City in 1958. He received his master's degree from the University of South Dakota in 1967.

He taught and coached in Everly, Iowa for five years. He moved to Salinas in 1963 and taught for one year at El Sausal. The remainder of his teaching/coaching career was at Salinas High School. He coached lightweight football, track and field and both boys and girls tennis. Tennis was an important part of his life. He spent many hours developing local junior players. Some of these players went on to become a part of his championship tennis team at Salinas High.

He was a proud and loving grandfather to his eight grandchildren, who affectionately called him "Bumpa". Many fun hours were spent at Camp Bumpa, that included crab fishing on the wharf, playing on Sand Mountain and visiting Hanks.

Music also played a large part in his life. He enjoyed playing keyboard with the Mark Berdan Trio for many local engagements. He loved most types of music from classical to contemporary. He was a member of the Phi Mu Alpha Symphonia Music Fraternity.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Salinas.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Roberta (Gilbert) Emmerson; his children, Mark (Nelly) of Portola Valley, Calif., Dan (Kathy) of Spring Valley, Calif., and Kelly (Doug) Wherry of Littleton, Colo.; his grandchildren, Sophie and Kayla Emmerson of Portola Valley, Calif., Karac and Danielle Bryan and Myles Emmerson of Spring Valley, Calif., and Kaitlyn, Hannah and Jacob Wherry of Littleton, Colo.; his mother, Evelyn Adams of Salinas; a sister, Lynn (David) Mathews of Cheney, Wash.; a stepsister, Roberta (Tom) Terry; a stepbrother, Robert Adams; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Emmerson; his stepfather, Tom Adams; and a stepbrother, Richard Adams.

The family requests memorials to Heartland Hospice or the charity of choice.