Obituary: Gary Emerson, 90, The Dalles

Gary Emerson passed away on April 3, 2025, at the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, Oregon. He was 90 years old. 

Gary was born on June 4, 1934, along with his twin sister Mary Lou, to Lloyd and Mary (Kiggins) Emerson, in Naponee, NE.  When the twins were in grade school the family moved to Caldwell, ID. Gary graduated from Caldwell High School in 1953. He entered the Navy after graduating and spent 4 years in the Navy Seabees stationed in San Diego, CA, spending time in the Eleuthera Islands and North Africa.

Gary married Carol Ann Toft in 1957 and together they had three children, Debra, Scott and Gordon “Jay”. Gary worked on the Toft farm until 1962 when he joined the Idaho State Police and was stationed in King Hill, then Boise where his family made lifelong friends. Gary was transferred to Coeur d’Alene in 1972 where his family enjoyed spending time in the many recreation opportunities that the North Idaho area provided. He also attended North Idaho College obtaining his Associate Degree in Law Enforcement. Gary left the ISP in 1981, he and Carol returned to the Boise area in 1987 and later divorced.

Gary was an avid gardener, he raised gladiolas for many years for pleasure and as a business. After leaving the ISP, he worked in different agriculture settings.

He also worked as a Private Investigator, Bus Driver and Bus Supervisor at the Meridian School District, and spent a summer as a Campground Host in S.E. Idaho. Gary had many adventures including traveling to New Zealand and rafting the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.

Gary loved people and their stories and had an abundance of friends. He had so many interests and hobbies over the years which gave him knowledge about a huge variety of subjects. He was definitely our go-to for any plant/gardening questions. 

His last years were spent with his companion Linda Clemens, in Goldendale, WA, where they enjoyed gardening, raising chickens, and the pleasures of country living.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Paul and Ivan and his twin sister Mary Lou King. He is survived by Linda Clemens, Goldendale, WA, his daughter Debra Emerson, Boise, and sons Scott Emerson, Nampa, and Gordon “Jay” Emerson (Dolly), Bellevue, WA. He has six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Gary’s ashes will be interred at the Boise Veterans Cemetery. His family will gather afterward for a celebration of his life.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Death Notice: Lee Charles Kaseberg, 85, Wasco

Lee Charles Kaseberg, age 85, a resident of Wasco, OR, passed away at Adventist Health Portland on May 7, 2025.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Obituary: Sharon G. Peterson, 97, Hood River

Sharon G. Peterson, three weeks shy of her 98th birthday, slipped away peacefully in her sleep on April 24th, 2025, after a beautiful Easter weekend surrounded by her loving family.

She was predeceased by her parents, Allen W., and Loutina Griffith; her brother, Conrad Dene (Bill) Griffith; and her beloved grandson, Eric Mahon.

Sharon is survived by and will be deeply missed by her children: Lynn Peterson, Eric Peterson, Mari (Marvin) Wolk, Susan (Ron) Scott, Jana (Scott) Mahon, and Jill (Daniel) Melendez; her cherished grandchildren: Shannon (Kacee) Callahan, Ashley Pugh, Justin (Liz) Wolk, Brandon (Lauren) Wolk, Steven (Kate) Wolk, Dustin Scott, Brenton (Alisha) Scott, Peter Mahon, Jeffrey (Yusrah) Mahon, Kimberly (Bill) Michael, Troy Black, and Olivia (Christopher) Wells; ten adored great-grandchildren and one on the way: Mikayla Callahan, Henry, Elenor, Ari, Asher, Benjamin, and Bradley Wolk, Lelianna and Cassandra Scott, Adam Mahon, and baby Michael; as well as her sister, Gayle Faye.

Throughout her life, Sharon’s greatest joy was her family. She lovingly raised her six children and took immense pride in each new generation. Sharon was an avid gardener, a gifted baker, and a lifelong learner who delighted in reading and exploring new ideas. She also loved traveling, especially her visits to Oregon, where she felt closest to nature and family roots. Sharon’s door was always open, and her heart even more so- she built a life rich with memories, traditions, and unconditional love.

In honor of Sharon’s wishes, a family service will be held in Hood River, Oregon. 

GRAVESIDE SERVICES WILL BE SHARED VIA LIVESTREAM           

11:00 a.m., Monday, May 19th, 2025 at www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com on Sharon’s webpage.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sharon’s honor to Easter Seals, the Arthritis Foundation, or a charity of one’s choice supporting family or nature causes.