Richard "Dick" Emerson

Richard “Dick” Emerson, 92, a multi-generation native of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026. He was married to his best friend, Arlene Usher, for over 65 years. They lived a quiet life full of service to others and helping anyone in need. Dick helped start the first Grand Traverse County Fire Department and was a volunteer fireman for over 25 years. Being an alumni of St. Francis High School, he was one of the people who started the St.Francis Athletic Booster Club and spent many years volunteering there and at Gladhander. Dick was an avid fisherman who loved catching steelhead from the Boardman River and giving them away. Many times to the Carmelite Monastery or anyone who loved fresh fish as he would NOT eat them. Arlene loved fish and was able to snag a filet once in a while. Dick spent his career working in the automotive field, with the last 20 working for his son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Cindy, at their business, Brake & Alignment Service Center. He retired in 1999 to pursue a life of fishing and wood working. He made many beautiful furniture items and fun crafts, such as the famous pooping moose. Nobody enjoyed Dick’s unique sense of humor more than Dick. Those who knew him best understood it was his way of showing kindness and friendship. He gave numerous friends and family nicknames which he thought were hilarious. Dick and Arlene’s flower gardens, especially their roses, were often admired by friends, neighbors and passers-by. They took much pride in planting countless flats of impatiens and begonias every summer and lovingly tending to them, producing a neatly cultivated and vibrant display. They loved sitting on their front porch drinking coffee, admiring their flowers and watching people go by. Dick was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Arlene; son, Gary; parents, Viola and Vernon; siblings, Jack (Betty), Jean Horn; brother-in-law Dale Gary; and daughter-in-law Jeri. He is survived by sons, Steve, Scott (Cindy), Mark, daughter-in-law Sharon Barkman; sister, Joan Gary, brother-in-law Jack Horn; grandchildren, Ryan (Kim), Sara (Jordan), Karen, Daniel, Christopher, Ashley and Melody; great grandfather to Logan, Graham, Felix, Gary, Summer, Darrin, Venessa, Farrah and Liam; and many nieces and nephews. A heartfelt thank you to the team from Hospice of Michigan and his caregivers at Meadow Valley for the compassionate care you gave Dick and unwavering support to our family. Thank you to the best neighbors anyone could have…you know who you are! In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Project Feed the Kids; a charity of your choice; or plant some beautiful flowers in memory of Dick and Arlene. Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 1-3pm at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A family graveside service will take place at a later date.

Richard "Dick" Emerson

January 4, 1934 - March 28, 2026