Gerald Emerson

MOHALL — Gerald “Jerry” Arthur Emerson, 81, Denver, Colo., formerly of Mohall, passed away on Sept. 8, 2023, in Denver.

He was born Dec. 13, 1941, to Arthur and Phyllis (Olson) Emerson. He graduated from Mohall High School and received a B.A. degree from Wahpeton School of Science.

Jerry married Wanda Mae Brackelsberg in March of 1963 and left for California, following their dreams, that very same day. Their two children, Suzette and Randy, were both born in California.

Jerry worked for the Lompoc Record, in Lompoc, Calif., from 1963 to 1968, then moved to Hector, Minn., to help a friend upgrade his newspaper. In 1969, Jerry and Wanda moved back to Mohall and purchased the Renville County Farmer, which started his publishing career. He purchased the Westhope Standard and was co-owner of the Phillips County News in Malta, Mont. During his newspaper years, he was one of several of the area publishers that formed the Greater Northwest Publishing Company and Franklin Printing, both located in Minot.

Following his publishing career, he was a part-time property adjuster for Farmers Union Insurance and drove a rural mail route for the United States Postal Service. In 2012, Jerry and Wanda moved to Denver where they purchased a home one block from their daughter, Suzette, and her family.

Jerry loved the Green Bay Packers! Attending their home games with his son, Randy, was always a highlight. Jerry made sure that the Packers flag was flying on their porch for game days. Additionally, Jerry was a big NDSU Bison fan and attended several games in Fargo. After moving to Colorado, he always streamed the Bison games.

Jerry was an avid golfer, hitting a one hole-in-one at the Mohall Golf Course. He was also a top-notch speed walker. Jerry was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church, Mohall, Mohall Golf Club, the Minot Elks and several local Mohall community organizations.

Family: Jerry is survived by his wife of 60 years, Wanda Mae (Brackelsberg) Emerson; daughter, Suzette (Mark Anderson) Emerson, and their five children, Lillian, Anniyeli, Carlos, Angel and Isihi, Denver; son, Randall “Randy” (Dawn Frame) Emerson, and their three children, Brody, Max and Bren, Prior Lake, Minn.; sister, Joyclyn (Emerson) Robinson, Cut Bank, Mont.; and, brother, Joel Emerson, West Fargo.

Jerry was preceded in death by: His parents, Arthur and Phyllis Emerson.

A private graveside service was held at the Mohall Community Cemetery, Mohall.

Friends may sign the online guestbook at brosefuneralhome.com.

(Brose Funeral Home, Mohall)

Published by The Minot Daily News, October 4, 2023.