Chris C. Emerson, 77, of Black River Falls, passed away with peace, on Sunday, April 19th, 2026.
Chris was born on September 16, 1948, to Veronica “Vonnie” (Stratton) Emerson and Victor Emerson, and raised in the rural Spring Creek area. While brought up working on the family farm, he also attended Spring Creek School through 8th grade, after which he attended the newly built Black River Falls Senior High School, graduating in 1966. After high school, Chris enlisted in the US Navy, serving from 1968-1972 on the USS Halsey and USS Reeves. Most of his time at sea was spent in the Pacific, where his ports of call included Honolulu, Guam, Taiwan, Tokyo, and the Philippines, as well as along the coast of Vietnam. It was clear that his Navy experience helped to cultivate a broad perspective of the world, which was reflected upon during the entirety of his life. After returning home to Jackson County in the fall of 1972, Chris was torn between returning to work on the family farm, or pursuing a career within the community. Chris opted to dive into the labor force by working at Leo Jessop and Sons, followed by the Jackson County Iron Mine, and ultimately the Jackson County Highway Department until his retirement in 2008.
Chris and his (late) wife Fran raised their three children in rural Disco, where he practiced his passions of woodworking and other various forms of craftsmanship, music, prose, and hobby farming (which always included a multitude of John Deere tractors). Family history was important to Chris; he always made sure his children knew where they came from. Reminiscing and story telling were ever-present, along with historical and educational anecdotes. When his parents were alive, Chris made a point of visiting them on a regular basis, helping them both during their final years. He also enjoyed spending time with his siblings – family gatherings were a regular occurrence, no matter what the occasion.
Chris was preceded in death by his wife Frances “Fran” (Gjerde) Emerson, mother and father Veronica and Victor Emerson, and siblings Douglas (stillborn), Rogene, Richard, Ralph, Mary, and Sam.
Chris will be forever loved and remembered by his children; Michael Emerson (Nicole Sackmaster) of Black River Falls, Valerie Emerson (Doug Baumeister) of Milwaukee, and Sarah Emerson (Bill Brauner) of Black River Falls; as well as grandchildren Alexander, Abigail, Pearl, and Florence. Also surviving Chris are his sisters Clarice Ellis of Waukesha and Vickie Gray of Alma Center, numerous nieces and nephews, and previous partner Christine Brown, along with extra grandchildren Liam and Rayna.
A celebration of life to honor Chris will be held at the American Legion Miles-Hagen Post 200 in Black River Falls on Saturday, May 2nd, from 1pm-5pm, with military honors to be conducted at 1:30pm. Friends and family who knew Chris are warmly welcomed to join us and share a story or two.