John Robert Emerson passed away Sunday morning, October 10, 2021, at the Crest Nursing Home after a brief illness. He was 72 years old.
John was born on May 22, 1949 to Bob and Dollye Emerson in Butte, Montana. John attended Emerson Elementary, East Jr. High, and graduated from Butte High School where he was a part of a Butte Sports Hall of Fame Track Team.
On March 29, 1969, John married Rita Shaffer at Holy Spirit Savior Church in Butte, Montana. They were married for 52 years.
John spent the majority of his work life in sales, mainly car sales. John sold and managed probably every car lot in Butte, ending his career working for his friend Mick at Mick Obrien Cars.
Dad was an avid New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Steelers and Montana Tech fan and would watch them faithfully, always complaining about the coaches and players. Dad loved a really long game of golf, usually getting a good workout by swinging the club so often. He looked forward to his Tuesday outings at the Anaconda Country Club with Terry Dunfee. Dad was proud of his Ace on hole 8 at the Muni.
Grandpa loved his grandkids and rarely missed a sporting event or chance to help out. Old Papa as he was known to his great grandchild Jonah. Jonah used Papa as his personal punching bag and would use him to practice his Avenger moves on.
John is survived by his wife Rita; sons Andy/Lisa Flaherty, Todd/Shelley Emerson, Justin Emerson; daughter Dana/Jeff Erickson; grandkids Kabri and Rashae Emerson, Wes and Seth Erickson, McKenzie and Michael Flaherty; and numerous nieces and nephews.
John is proceeded in death by his parents, brother Robert Emerson and brother-in-law Harry Shaffer.
John’s family will hold a private service at a later date.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of John.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for John and his family.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Steve Perusich says
I’m so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He will always be a fond memory for me. Sending prayers and blessings to all of the family. Rita and John were a big part of my life for many years.😢😢🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Rosemary Hayes says
Rita and family
My prayers and sympathies to all.
Janice Muniz says
My thoughts & prayers to Rita and all of the Emerson family.
May his memories hold dear in your hearts.
Rest in peace John and watch over Rita and your family.
Janice Muniz ( Sparky’s Garage )
Elena Nelson says
Dear Rita and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. John’s legacy will live on through all of you. Love Elena Nelson
Roger Dammarell says
Condolences to you and the family Rita. I have many good memories of times spent with John and you over the years. Thank you both for inviting me into your lives. John’s spirit will live on in all of us who knew him. And, hey Emerson…keep working on your swing and more “aces” may lie ahead 🙂
Pam Ryan says
Rita
I am so sorry for you and your families loss of John. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pam Ryan
Patty Heard says
Rita..I’m so sorry for your loss of John. Love and Prayers to you and your family. RIP John.
Terry Dunfee says
Rita and John’s family, so sorry to hear of John’;s passing. Fond memories of whenever our paths crossed.
Suzanne Masters says
Dear Rita, Todd, Dana, Justin, and Andy, We are saddened with the news of John. I saw him at the gym these last few months, he still was trying to be the athlete! We share so many memories of our softball, bowling, volleyball, and poker days. He was responsible for all the planning and did a great job putting together such fun teams. One thing I know about John is that he loved his family so much. You kids were his world. Rita, I don’t have a number to contact you. Please know I am here for you. We still have our land line so feel free to call or stop by. Love and condolences to you all, Suzanne and Lance
Rick Walter says
Dear Rita and family, i was saddened to hear of the passing of John. I worked with him in the car business for many years. He was a good guy. RIP John.
Ron & Kandis Ronchetto says
Todd, Rita and family….so sorry for your recent loss. I knew John from back in the days in track at Butte High School, and in more recent times from his various employments in Bute. We send our condolences and to all.
Lance Bailey and family says
Todd I’m sorry to hear about your dad. Our thought are with you and your family.
Michelle Kriskovich says
Dearest Rita and Family, My deepest condolences to you my dear friend, so sorry to hear about John’s passing. My prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely, Michelle and Jerry Kriskovich
Stromseth family says
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you Rita and the family !! You’re in our thoughts and prayers !!
Bryan Seidita says
Rest in peace John, sympathy to the family