02/24/2023
John Fredrick Emerson, age 62, of Knoxville, Iowa, passed away on February 24, 2023, at the Knoxville Hospital.
John was born on September 15, 1960, in Knoxville, the son of Joe and Patricia (De Witt) Emerson. John grew up in Knoxville and graduated from Knoxville High School, Class of 1979.
John was united in marriage to Tammy Carter and they were blessed with one daughter, Amy. John was later married to Pam Clages. Pam passed away on May 10, 2013. John was the owner/operator of Emerson Auto for over 30 years.
He was always a pocket t-shirt and jeans type of guy. John enjoyed “treasure hunting” with his metal detector, playing pool and poker, and arrowhead hunting. His greatest joy was his family.
Those left to cherish John’s memory include his mother, Patricia Jessip; father, Joe (Doris) Emerson; daughter, Amy (Vince) Swanks; granddaughters, Taylor Sylvester, and Destinie Swanks; and brother, Mike Emerson.
He is also survived by stepchildren, Kim Murphy, Aubrey VanWaardhuizen, John Followill (Bergen), Joel Followill (Sarah); and step-grandchildren, Maggie (Tyler) Penrod, Emily Murphy, Kellen Murphy, Sophia Murphy, Preston Followill, Freya Followill, Elle Followill, Faith Followill, Hailey VanWaardhuizen, and Ian VanWaardhuizen; also nephews, Joseph and Tyler Emerson; and his beloved dog, Pete.
John is preceded in death by his former wife, Pam Emerson; grandsons, Devonte and Malachi; and brother, Steve Emerson.
A visitation for John will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023, from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the Winfield Funeral Home in Knoxville.
A Celebration of Life will take place at 5:00 P.M. with Bruce Reitveld officiating. Following services, a reception will be held at the V.F.W. John Myers Post in Knoxville.
Memorials may be given in John’s memory to his family.