Gerald L. Emerson

Gerald “Gerry” L. Emerson, 75 of St. Donatus, Iowa, passed away suddenly on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa.

Burial will take place at Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery on Friday, September 20th at 10:15am. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday evening, October 12th at Kalmes Restaurant in St. Donatus, Iowa.

Gerry was born on July 25, 1949 in Cascade, Iowa, the son of Galen “Jake” and Leota (McMullen) Emerson.  He and his twin brother Garry attended St. Martin’s grade school in Cascade, Iowa and later Plano High School in Plano TX.  When the family moved to Canada Gerry graduated from Carson Graham Secondary School in North Vancouver, British Columbia. 

Gerry was a Marine Corp veteran and proudly served in the Vietnam War.  After leaving military service he was a dedicated lifetime Ironworker and worked out of Local 263 Dallas / Fort Worth, TX and Local 89 Cedar Rapids, IA before retiring. 

Gerry is survived by his son, Brian Emerson (Brooke), and granddaughters Harper and Taylor, of Wylie, TX, brothers Ed Emerson (Nancy) of East Elmhurst NY, Randy Emerson of Plano TX, Rodney Emerson (Judy) of Eustace TX, Brad Emerson of McKinney TX and sisters Sue Williams (Jerry) of Wylie TX, Faith Miller of Plano TX and Vicki Emerson of Plano TX.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Galen “Jake” Emerson and Leota (McMullen) Emerson and brothers Garry Emerson and Scott Emerson.

Gerry enjoyed visiting relatives and friends in Texas and British Columbia, fishing, gardening, riding motorcycles, and having a beer with friends at the local tavern.

Too soon he left to travel beyond where we can see, but it’s all about the journey. Forever Riding Free.

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