John Allan Emerson

John A. Emerson, 73, of Ogden, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 7, 2019.
Visitation is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, at Community United Methodist Church in Ogden. His funeral service is at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15, at Community United Methodist Church in Ogden, with the Rev. Evelyn Lewiston officiating. Burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery in Ogden with graveside military rites conducted by the Boone Veterans Council.

John Allan Emerson was born in Holdrege, Nebraska, on August 24, 1945, to his parents Elmer O. and Sylvia (Krisl) Emerson. The family later moved to Sioux City, Iowa, where John graduated from East High School in l964. He attended Iowa State University, and then interrupted his studies to serve in the US Army, training in Monterey, California, and serving at the Teufelsberg Field Station in West Berlin as a German Language Specialist. He married Teddy Ann Vickery and they both became active volunteers in Ogden; she and John divorced a few years later.

Upon his return from military service, John completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry at ISU and student taught at Ogden High School. He began his Master’s Degree studies at ISU, and when the high school science position opened up at Ogden, he left his coursework and began a teaching career in chemistry and physical science that lasted 36 years, retiring in May 2010. During his teaching career, his classroom door was open before and after school to help students complete makeup work or get extra help completing difficult assignments. He earned numerous recognitions for his teaching, but nothing meant more to him than the many former students who called him from college or career to thank him for the rigorous preparation he’d given them in high school. For many years, John’s students and colleagues called him “Barney” (like the Flinstones character), with affection and respect. He was also beloved by students as a substitute teacher since his retirement.

In 1986, John married Janice Paulson and became dad to three sons, Ben, John, and Adam. They were soon joined by another brother, Jeffrey. John enjoyed playing touch football, gardening, and building projects with the boys, and he loved the family camping trips. Though John and Jan divorced many years later, they remained good friends, and enjoyed many family events as the family grew larger with weddings and grandchildren.

John was always willing to serve his school, his church, and his community. He sponsored Ogden High School’s teams for Science Bowl, Physics Olympics, and Knowledge Bowl competitions and Computer Math and Science Club concession stands at home athletic events. He served as president of the Ogden Education Association and Ogden Lions Club (and organized the popular Lions bingo stand), was a member of Ogden Masonic Lodge, and served in several positions on the local Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts committees. In more recent years, he has been Commander of the Edward J. Maas American Legion Post 55 and active in local Habitat for Humanity. He served on various committees and projects for his church, including volunteering as a sound technician. John’s selection as a Top Dog honoree for Fall 2019 at Ogden High School was recently announced.

John was an enthusiastic teacher, a generous giver, a humble contributor, (and a Twins fan), who cherished his friends and family. He is survived by sons Benjamin (Christa) Paulson, John (Beth) Paulson, Adam (Kara) Paulson, and Jeffrey Emerson (Megan Thome); seven grandchildren; sister Barb Smith; brother David Emerson; and former wife Jan (Dan) Froning. John was preceded in death by his parents and sister Janet.