Ralph Emerson

Ralph Emerson, 64 year old resident of Pierz, MN passed away Monday, May 22, 2017 at his home in Pierz, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, May 26, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pierz, MN with Father Kenneth Popp officiating. A visitation will be held from 4-8 P.M. on Thursday and from 9:30-10:30 A.M. on Friday at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Pierz, MN. Parish prayers will be prayed at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday at the Funeral Home. Funeral arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Pierz, MN. Ralph was born on June 7, 1952 in St. Paul, MN to the late Erland and Rosalie (DuBoid) Emerson. He grew up in St. Paul, MN where he attended school until third grade. The family relocated to Buckman, MN where Ralph attended school at Pierz Healy High. He enlisted into the U.S Army and honorably served in the Vietnam War. Upon his honorable discharge, Ralph returned to Minnesota where he was united in marriage to Christine Burggraff on October 20, 1973 in New Brighton, MN. Ralph followed in his father’s footsteps, working as a carpenter for many years. He owned and operated his own construction company Paragon-D-Construction for many years. Ralph loved to golf and was a very gifted golfer. This love inspired him to pursue his dream of designing, building and owning his very own golf course with his brother Larry. In 1999, they completed construction and opened Stone Creek Golf Course in Foley, MN. Ralph also enjoyed collecting and repairing old collectible cars, fishing, and playing cards with family and friends. He was also active in several area bowling and pool leagues. Though he enjoyed these activities, nothing was more important to him than his grandchildren, children and friends. He was a very giving man that would do anything for anyone. Ralph was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. Ralph is survived by children, Allysia Emerson of San Mateo, CA, Antonya (Joe) Meyer of Pierz, MN, Phalen (Justin) Stang of Medina, MN and Jolene (Robert) Konnight of Sartell, MN; siblings, Paulette Bauer of Maplewood, MN, Larry (Kathy) Emerson of Andover, MN and Rosemary Burk of St. Cloud, MN, step-mother, Delores Emerson of Foley, MN; grandchildren, Tyler, Riley, Libbie, Aaliyah, Dylann, Carter, Braelynn, Easton, Bobby, Hudson, Brookston, Zayden, and Beckett. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Erland and Rosalie Emerson; granddaughter, Faith; sister, Roberta Brady; and brother-in-law, Jack Bauer. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

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Ralph Emerson

June 7, 1952 - May 22, 2017