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Michael William Emerson, 77, of Creston, died peacefully at his home on Feb. 2, 2025, surrounded by the love of his close friends and family. Powers Funeral Home in Creston is assisting with arrangements. A Celebration of Life gathering is planned for later this summer in Creston, details will be announced prior to the event. In addition, in accordance with Michael’s wishes, his remains will be buried at sea in August during a special ceremony performed by his fellow Navy SEALs.
Online condolences may be given on the tribute wall at www.powersfh.com. The family extends their gratitude to EveryStep Home Health/Hospice, the Union County Office of Veteran’s Affairs, the VA Medical Center in Des Moines and Greater Regional Health in Creston. They also thank all those individuals who provided Michael, or “M.E.” as he was affectionately known, with their immeasurable love, care and support over the years.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Michael’s name to one of the many charitable organizations above, in honor of his commitment to supporting those less fortunate.
Michael was born April 1, 1947, to William Siggins Emerson and Jan (McKinney) Emerson in Atlanta, Georgia. Following his graduation from Central High School in St. Joseph, Missouri, he attended Missouri Western State University and completed a Bachelor of Science degree. During that time met the love of his life, Karen Knepler. The the two were married Dec. 7, 1974, in St. Joseph, Missouri, 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. Michael and Karen divorced in 1985, but remained caring and supportive friends until the end of his life.
From 1967 to 1971, Michael served with distinction in the United States Navy as a member of the elite Naval special ops force known as the Navy SEALs. As a SEAL 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. Following his honorable discharge from active duty he transferred to the Naval Reserve and remained a strong supporter of all naval special warfare warriors, veterans and their families through the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF) and UDT/SEAL Association.
After leaving the service a friend from Iowa offered Michael a position at Camp Sunnyside in Des Moines. He accepted the offer and worked at the summer camp from 1970-72 and with the Homebound Program from 1972-73. Camp Sunnyside provides residential services to ensure individuals with disabilities and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play. His co-workers at Sunnyside were like family to Michael, and the connections he made there would last for the rest of life.
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 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.
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 (Todd) Emerson Howell and his twin grandsons, Maxwell Howell and Samuel Howell, all of Missoula, Montana; his former spouse and friend, Karen Knepler Emerson, also of Missoula, Montana; his brother William Barrow (Becky) Emerson of Coronado, California; his nephew and godson Michael Howard Emerson of San Diego, California; his sister Leslie (Mark) King 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.
In closing, Michael’s favorite quote from his distant cousin, poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, seems a fitting epitaph for an individual who overcame many challenges in this life and still found ways to make this world a better place: “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”