Samuel Emerson

Samuel "Sam" J. Emerson, age 82, of White Bear Lake. Born on June 26, 1938 to Sam and Leona(Praschak) Emerson. Died on July 5, 2020 in White Bear Lake. Preceded in death by his parents, Sam & Leona; sister Margaret; and son Sam Jr. He is survived by his wife, Jo; 3 children; Dawn (Larry) Giese, Jeff & Barry (Julie) Emerson. Also by his bonus children; Barbara (Chris) Sabal; Dave (Julie) Karle; Pamela (Thomas) Frame & Douglas (Shana) Karle. There are 19 grandchildren: Monica, David, Garrett, Melissa, Madisen, McKenzie, Ashley, Jordan, Joe, Matt, Luke, Claire, Avery, Hayden, Josephine, Crawford, Adeline, Evelyn & Van. There are 8 great grandchildren. Sam has a sister Dorothy Machioch and brother-in-law Richard Kautt. He grew up caddying at Hillcrest CC. He always said how lucky he was that he had the best office In the world "the lesson tee". To all who learned the game of golf from him, thank you for the laughter and love. You filled his days with purpose and joy. He was a life member of the PGA. He was winner of the Horton Smith Award in 2003 and Teacher of the Year in 2014 from the MN PGA. To be recognized by his peers was so appreciated by him. He founded Eagle's Turf, a program to teach golf to veterans with PTSD. It has now been wrapped into United Heroes League. To all that helped Sam launch this program and continued to operate it when his health declined, there are no words to adequately thank you. The family wishes to thank the staff of Cerenity Care Center for their wonderful care and love of Sam. They are appreciated by all of us. Besides golf, he loved hunting and trout fishing, music of all kinds, dancing and time spent with family and friends. And he loved his Scotch. So tonight please raise a glass of single malt to a good man who is missed. Memorials are preferred to United Heroes League, 15211 Ravenna Trail, Hastings Mn 55033, Evans Scholars Foundation, 2501 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview, Illinois, Church of St. Mary of the Lake, or to Cerenity Care Center, 1900 Webber, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. Visitation from 5 - 7 PM THURSDAY at MUELLER MEMORIAL - WHITE BEAR LAKE, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave. at 3rd St. WBL.  Mass of Christian Burial FRIDAY at 11 AM at St. Mary of the Lake church, Bald Eagle Ave. at 4th St. Due to Covid Guidelines, Mass is limited to 100 people including family members. Masks are required at both the visitation and the Mass.