Emerson, Michael W. 1947-2025 Creston, Iowa
CRESTON, Iowa – Michael William Emerson, 77, of Creston, Iowa, died peacefully at his home on Feb. 2, 2025. Michael was born to William Siggins Emerson and Jan (McKinney) Emerson, on April 1, 1947, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Michael moved to St. Jospeh in 1955 with his father and stepmother, Jane (Barrow) Emerson, of St. Joseph, and attended Noyes Elementary School, graduated from Central High School in 1965, and attended Missouri Western State University
From 1967 to 1971, Michael served in the United States Navy as a member of the Navy SEALs, where he completed two tours of duty in Vietnam during which he completed over 30 combat missions and earned numerous commendations including two Purple Hearts, the Navy Commendation Medal with special recognition for Valor in Combat, the Vietnam Service and National Defense Medals, and a Certificate of Commendation from the Commander of the 7th Fleet for Outstanding Performance of Duty in Combat Operations.
After leaving the service he worked for Camp Sunnyside, in Des Moines, Iowa, from 1970-1973. During this time he met the love of his life, Karen Knepler, and the two were married on Dec. 7, 1974, at Christ Episcopal Church, in St. Joseph, where they also welcomed their daughter, Autum Faith, one year later. In 1978 the family moved to Missoula, Montana, to allow Michael to pursue his love of both education and the outdoors through his graduate studies in Outdoor Recreation at the University of Montana.
In 1996 Michael’s desire to return to the Midwest led him to settle in Creston where he developed many true and loyal friendships that would also continue until the end of his life. He was also able to pursue his love of travel, frequently visiting friends and family throughout the United States. He enjoyed a passion for photography, Harley Davidson motorcycles, music (particularly the Grateful Dead), reading, writing, beading and leatherwork, good beer, movies, and later spending as much time as possible with his beloved grandsons. In addition, he remained an active supporter of numerous charitable causes including the Disabled American Veterans, St. Labre and St. Joseph Indian Schools, Heifer International, NPR, the World Wildlife Federation and National Geographic, among others.
Michael is survived by his daughter, Autum Emerson Howell (Todd; and his twin grandsons, Maxwell Howell and Samuel Howell, all of Missoula, MT, his former spouse and friend, Karen Knepler Emerson, also of Missoula; his brother, William Barrow Emerson (Becky), of Coronado, California; his nephew and godson, Michael Howard Emerson, of San Diego, California; his sister, Leslie King (Mark), of Hilton Head, South Carolina; his stepmother, Kathy Sprague Emerson of Columbia, Missouri; as well as various other extended family and many lifelong friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Celebration of Life, open to the public, will be held at 3:30 p.m. on June 21, 2025, at McKinley Park, in Creston, to be followed by a reception at 4:15 p.m. at the A&G Restaurant and Lounge (211 W. Adams St.). In addition, in accordance with Michael’s wishes, his fellow Navy SEALs will take his ashes out to sea in a “Final Surf Passage” in August.
Online condolences may be given on the tribute wall at www.powersfh.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
