James Wigen Emerson, 87, lifelong LaCrosse farmer passed away Monday, March 24, 2014 at the Hill-Ray Plaza in Colfax. A graveside service will be Saturday, March 29 ^th at 1:00 p.m. at Selbu Cemetery with a memorial service following at 1:30 at the Selbu Lutheran Church. Jim was born September 7, 1926 at home near LaCrosse to Brown and Clara (Wigen) Emerson. He grew up on the family farm, attended LaCrosse schools and graduated from high school there. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army near the tail end of World War II. He was aboard the first ship to sail directly from the U.S. to Japan at the end of the war. He served a tour in Japan before being honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant and returned to LaCrosse in 1947. He farmed with his dad on the family farm near Selbu. Jim met Betty Ann Aune through their church and the couple married August 22, 1958 in Endicott. They made their home on the Emerson farm near Selbu and spent their lives raising their family and farming together. They moved to Hill-Ray in Colfax about 1 ½ years ago. Jim was an active member of Selbu Lutheran Church all of his life. He loved to sing and sang in the Selbu Quartet throughout its existence. He was also a member of the LaCrosse 89'ers for 7 years. Jim served two terms on the board of directors for the LaCrosse Grain Growers; he was treasurer of the Selbu Lutheran Church for 25 years and was cashier of the popular Selbu Smorgasbord for 39 years. He took his "Walk to Emmaus" in October 1994 and worked 5 walks until his lack of hearing made it impossible to continue. He loved fishing, especially for salmon and enjoyed many ocean charters with his son Bob. He was an avid hunter; claiming to have shot 67 geese one year. He also liked sports of all kinds and loved following his children and grandchildren with their activities. He is survived by his wife Ann Emerson at their home in Colfax; twin sons Bob (Leatha) Emerson of Pasco, WA and Bill Emerson of LaCrosse; a daughter, Heidi (Tom) Jones of Lacey, WA; 7 grandchildren including Bill's five, Joey, Ronnie, Sarah, Kayla and Amanda and Heidi's two, Ellie and Alex. Jim also leaves a sister, June Dittmer of St. Clair, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Carol Hull. The family suggests memorial gifts be made to Selbu Lutheran Church, the Colfax Nazarene Church or to Friends of Hospice. On-line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com

Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax is caring for the family.