Dennis William Emerson

Dennis W. Emerson age 60 of Tracy, MN died Monday, December 22, 2008 at his home in Tracy. Services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, December 27, 2008 at the Tracy Lutheran Church. Visitation will be from 4:00 until 8:00 PM Friday, December 26, 2008 at the Almlie Funeral Home in Tracy, with a prayer service at 7:00 PM and continuing one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be at the Tracy City Cemetery. The Almlie Funeral Home of Tracy is handling the arrangements. Dennis William Emerson was born March 13, 1948 to Kenneth and Norma (Hansen) Emerson in Tracy, MN. He was baptized and confirmed in Tracy Lutheran Church and attended Tracy Public Schools, graduating in 1966. Dennis then attended Wadena Technical College for electrical linesman. Upon completion of technical college, he worked for NSP for one year. On July 1, 1968 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at the Naval Station, Long Beach, CA, where his training specialized in radio operations. He was later transferred to Hanza, Okinawa until December 1, 1970 when he returned to the states. He received his honorable discharge on December 6, 1971 and returned to Minnesota. On June 15, 1970, Dennis married Mary Carlson in the state of Washington where he was stationed. They made their home in Mankato, MN for a year before moving to Cottonwood, MN for a short time, and then settling in Green Valley, MN. Dennis worked as a communications supervisor for the Minnesota State Highway Patrol for fifteen years. He then attended the University of Iowa for Emergency Medical Technician and several other colleges for more specialized life support training. Earlier while working for the state patrol he also was a part-time Deputy Sheriff for Lyon County. Shortly after his completion of EMT training his career was ended by a severe automobile-train accident which resulted in numerous health issues for the remainder of his life. Dennis was a member of the Tracy Lutheran Church and also a past member of the Tracy Kiwanis Club, Tracy American Legion, MN Retired Peace Officers Association, NRA and MN Waterfowl Association. He enjoyed hunting, camping, reading, fishing, looking for and collecting arrowheads, sponsoring certain private charities, and absolutely loved his many trips to Alaska. In the early 1990’s Dennis moved to Tracy and cared for his mother in her home until her death. He continued to live in his mother’s house where he died Monday, December 22, 2008 at the age of 60. Dennis is survived by his two daughters, Kerstin (Mark) Stevens of Britt, IA and Molly (Gary) VanWinkle of Garvin, MN; two grandchildren, Titus and Seth; one brother, Robert (Karla) Emerson of Alpharetta, GA; two sisters, Candace (Jack) Holbrook of Universal City, TX and Karen Magnuson of Marshall, MN; one sister in law, Linda Emerson of Anapolis, MD; fiancé, Paula Nelson of Tracy, MN; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. His parents and one brother, John preceded him in death.