Emerson, Michael R.

Michael R. Emerson, 63, of Cedar Rapids, died Tuesday, May 17, 2011, at his home after a long battle with cancer. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Ludmila's Catholic Church. The Rev. Tom McDermott will officiate. Burial at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may visit at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday where there will be a vigil service at 5 p.m.

Mike was born on August 19, 1947, in Decorah, to William and Patricia Emerson. He married Marilyn Carroll in Monona, on August 7, 1971. Mike graduated from Decorah High School and North Iowa Area Community College. He also received extensive continuing professional education at several universities, armorer schools and the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.

In 2002, Mike retired as a lieutenant after 32 years on the Cedar Rapids Police Department. Mike served as a patrolman, firearms instructor, range officer, quartermaster and defensive tactics trainer. He led the Special Problems and Negotiations Team and served on the Bomb Squad. In 1982 and 83, Mike served as president of the Iowa Chiefs of Police and Peace Officers. In 1989, he placed fourth in the nation at the Police Combat National shooting competition.

In March of this year, Chief Graham and officers from the CRPD and other agencies presented Mike with a plaque and the honor of naming the police gun range the “Michael R. Emerson Police Range Facility.”

After retirement, Mike worked briefly for the Transportation Security Administration and then as a bailiff in the federal courthouse. When not working, Mike could be found on a golf course; he was an avid and excellent golfer.

Mike is survived by his family: his wife, Marilyn; his daughters, Annie (Mike) Battien of Cedar Rapids, and Jill (Devin) Sires of Clive; his son, Dale (Jenny) Emerson of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Colin and Alec Battien, Jacob, Aubrey and Emerson Sires and Aaliyah, Brooklyn and Brayden Emerson; his sister, Pamela Gee of Vicksburg, Miss.; and several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, and one granddaughter, Jada Battien.

A memorial fund has been established. Contributions will go toward a donation to the Hospice House of Mercy and a memorial bench at Jones Park Golf Course.

Online condolences can be left for the family .