Lois Emerson

Lois Emerson, 90, entered her heavenly home with family by her side January 3, 2021, at Sunset Prospera Care Facility, Mandan, after a 10-year battle with dementia.

Lois was born on August 4, 1930, in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, her beloved Lakehead, to Margaret (Jones) and Lloyd Vester. She became a "stewardess" for Air Canada, loving travel to new places like Vancouver and Bermuda, but her heart always held a special place for her family's home in Thunder Bay on Lake Superior. Lois excelled in school track races and especially downhill ski racing, even beating some of the boys! Lois met Louis "Lou" Emerson at the Lakehead and they were married on August 31, 1957. They lived in Minneapolis, MN, for five years, eventually settling in Fargo, ND, while raising Shelly and Clint.

Always an artist, Lois loved contributing her creative sketches and painting for cookbooks, Vacation Bible School and anything at her church home, First Presbyterian, Fargo. A 50-year member of Ruth Circle Women's group there, Lois designed the needlepoint patterns for the 12 disciples panels and kneeling bench that adorn the altar. She and Lou were ski instructors at Detroit Mountain, MN, for several years, teaching many kids including their own, and eventually Lexi and Nick to love the outdoors and enjoy many sports. Lois even played tennis with family on her 80th birthday!

Lois was a founding member of Gallery 4 (art) in Fargo. She won several awards for her beautiful watercolor landscapes and florals. We were blessed by the beauty and love she brought to our lives.

Survivors include her daughter Michele "Shelly" (Greg) Gunderson, Mandan; son, Clint (Barbara) Emerson, Zurich, Switzerland; beloved granddaughter Lexi Michele Gunderson, Bismarck; twin sisters, Lynda and Lee, Thunder Bay and NY, respectively; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters; three brothers; ex-husband, Lou Emerson (2019) and her beloved grandson, Nick Gunderson (2019).

A family celebration of Lois' life will be held at a later date, cremation has taken place.

Special Thanks to the entire staff of Sunset Prospera for caring for Lois these past years, truly "Angels on Earth." God Bless.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to Sunset Prospera. Thank you.