Harold Emerson, 80 of Deep River passed away peacefully Sunday morning, September 8, 2019 at his home in Deep River. Memorial services will begin at 10:30 am Thursday, September 12, 2019 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in Montezuma with Pastor Larry Naylor officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Luncheon will follow the service at the Community Hope Church in Montezuma with burial being held in the Marengo Cemetery in Marengo, Iowa approximately 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Essence of Life Hospice in Amana, Iowa.

Harold Ross Emerson, the son of Ross and Thelma (Smith) Emerson, was born on July 14, 1939, in Marengo, Iowa. He was a 1961 graduate of Iowa Valley High School. Following high school, Harold enlisted with the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. Following his honorable discharge in 1963, Harold moved back to Marengo and worked for the Cedar Rapids Gazette. He was married to Rita Porter in 1963. In 1968, they moved to Tucson, Arizona where Harold worked for the Arizona Daily Star out of Tucson until they moved back to Marengo in 1973. Rita passed away in 1979. Harold was then married to Dixie (Johnson) Kriegel in 1985. Harold worked construction tearing down old houses, selling the old lumber and refurbishing homes. He also worked for Amana Refrigeration until 1993 retiring due to health reasons.

Harold loved his family and was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He enjoyed collecting coins and making quarter books for each one of his grandchildren. He also was known for giving them flashlights. He loved going to auctions, car rides to enjoy the countryside, playing cards, collecting walnuts and giving them to his family and above all spending time with his family. He also liked to go gambling every year on his birthday. Harold also attended the Deep River Christian Church.

His memory will be cherished by his wife, Dixie Emerson of Deep River; his children, Debbie Jones of Williamsburg, Doug (Janet) Emerson of Marengo, Dusty Emerson and Brenda (Kriegel) Emerson of Deep River, Diana (Tom) Morris of Duluth, GA, Tammy (John) Adkins of Montezuma, Ken Kriegel of Victor, Scott Kriegel of Grinnell and Stacy (Jim) Schultz of Gibson; 20 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren with one on the way; a brother, Walter (Susie) Smith of Marengo; two sisters, Shirley (Bob) Zaiger of Cedar Rapids and Elva Downey of South English; a sister-in-law, Aileen Emerson of Shellsburg and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; a wife, Rita Emerson in 1979; a brother, Howard Emerson and a sister in infancy, Alice Emerson.

Harold's family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Lisa of Essence of Life Hospice for the wonderful and loving care Harold received during his final time.