Obit: Emerson, Selmer "Sam" Bernard (1951– 2011)

Contact: Dolores Mohr Kenyon
Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Emerson, Stratton, Cummings, Ellis, Keck, Gray, Jessop, Faust

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI.) June 22, 2011

Emerson, Selmer "Sam" Bernard (20 December 1951 –19 June 2011)

Selmer "Sam" B. Emerson, 59, of Humbird died Sunday, June 19, 2011, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison, following a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Selmer Bernard Emerson was born Dec. 20, 1951, in Black River Falls, to Victor and Veronica V. (Stratton) Emerson.  He was raised in the Town of Albion, Jackson County, and graduated from Black River Falls High School in 1970 and later from Western Wisconsin Technical College with a welding degree.

Sam married Kelly Suzanne Cummings Sept. 5, 1999, at Kelly’s parents’ home in the Town of Cleveland, Jackson Co.

He farmed the family dairy farm.  He also had been employed by the Huffy Corporation in Milwaukee and as a driver by L. L. Jessop and sons, and by Nelson Muffler Corporation both of Black River Falls.  He had also driven bus for several national rock and roll bands.  For 17 years, he had been employed by Toro of Tomah until retiring due to ill health.

Sam was a hobby farmer who enjoyed watching his chickens and goats.  He also enjoyed dogs, gardening and traveling.  He was always looking forward to the future.  He loved children, especially his daughter, Faith. Children also loved Sam and would run to him with open arms.

Survivors include his wife, Kelly; his daughter Faith; three sisters, Clarice Ellis of Waukesha, Mary Ellen (Frank) Keck of Norman, OK, and Vickie Gray of Alma Center; two brothers, Richard Emerson of Loyal and Christ Emerson of Ettrick; and several nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Veronica Emerson; a sister, Rogene Emerson and brothers, Douglas and Ralph Emerson.

Memorial services will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 24, 2011 at the Countryside Evangelical Free Church at Merrillan. Rev. Sam Faust will officiate.

Family and friends are invited for visitation from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Countryside Evangelical Free Church.

The Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences are available at www.buswellfuneralhome.com.