In Remembrance

John Robert Emery, age 60 of Babbitt, MN passed away at St. Mary’s in Duluth, MN on December 31, 2023. He was born October 1, 1963, to Arland and Annette (Trimbell) Emery in Caledonia, MN.

John was the youngest of 9 children and grew up in Burr Oak, IA. In his early years he worked with his father and brother for Emery Construction in Iowa.

John was united in marriage to Carol Bjork on July 2, 1983 at the Burr Oak Lutheran Church. This union was blessed with 3 children: Tanaya, Taryn, and Theodore. He was later blessed again with 4 grandchildren; Liliana, Evie, Violet, and Jasper, and was lovingly referred to as Papa John.

John retired after 30 years of working for Hormel Foods in Austin, MN. After his retirement, he and Carol moved to Babbitt in 2016 where they were able to spend more time with family and friends and enjoying the outdoors.

John loved everything about the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing while referring to his most beloved spots as “God’s country”. John was a very charismatic person and always left you feeling that he was so happy to have gotten to see you. John always had a twinkle of mischief in his eye and a smile on his face. He had the gift of gab; he could turn any conversation into a captivating story.

He was preceded in death by his parents Arland and Annette Emery.

John is survived by his wife, Carol, of 40 years. His children: Tanaya (Mike Hagen and Evie, Violet, and Jasper Hagen) of Austin, MN, Taryn Emery (Liliana Ramirez) of Des Moines, IA, and Theodore Emery of Austin, MN.

John is also survived by 7 sisters and 1 brother. Julie (Jerry) Reckward of Decorah, IA, Trudy (Scott) Barnes of Calmar, IA, Marsha (Tom) Whalen of Preston, MN, Steven (Laurie) Emery of Highlandville, IA, Arletta (Wayne) Tweten of Cresco, IA, Debbie (Larry) Cook, Becky (Edward) Lyon, and Sandra Mitchell (Greg O’Brien) all of Decorah, IA. He is also survived by his father and mother-in-law, Joseph and Janet Bjork of Babbitt, MN. 3 brothers-in-law and 2 sisters-in-law: Kermit (Kari) Bjork of Blaine, MN, Barbara (Larry) Tanttari of Northfield, MN, Brian Bjork of Embarrass, MN, Katherine Schultz (Brian Helf) of Aurora, MN, and Carl Bjork (Alanna Novak) of Babbitt, MN. And many nieces and nephews and loved ones.

A Minnesota Memorial Celebration of Life will be held in Babbitt, MN at the Birch Lake Beach in the Log Pavilion on June 1, 2024 at 1:00 with a luncheon.  Bring a pole and try your luck at John’s favorite fishing hole!

An Iowa Memorial Celebration of Life will be held in Burr Oak, IA at his childhood family home (3504 North Winn Road, Decorah, IA) on June 22, 2024 at 1:00 with a luncheon.  Bring a chair and story to share!