Frederick A. Emerson

Frederick Arthur Emerson quietly departed his earthly life at home, surrounded by family, on Jan 5, 2023. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother, his memory is honored and cherished by Lynne Settzo Emerson, his wife of 45 years; daughters Abby (Christopher) Ward and Nina (Deven) Carlson; grandchildren Alexander Ward and Natalie and Lila Carlson; siblings Robert Byrd Emerson (Nancy), Cynthia (Bob) Nelson and Karin (Jim) Kiewel; sister-in-law Karen (Gregg) Parker; and numerous loved nieces and nephews. Born in Madison, WI, the first child of Harry Byrd Emerson and Marion Lacey Wilson Emerson, he spent a happy childhood in Ypsilanti, MI, and teen years in Littleton, CO when the family relocated. In his early teens Fred determined that he wanted to be a nuclear engineer and followed through, earning his BS in Chemical Engineering and MS in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Washington. After graduation, he proudly served 4½ years in the USAF, first as a Safety Officer at Kinchloe AFB near Sault Ste. Marie, MI, then as a Missile Launch Officer at McConnell AFB near Wichita, KS. He also completed his MBA at Wichita State University during those years. Following military service, he spent his early career years working for engineering firms in Overland Park, KS and San Francisco, CA before more than 30 additional years working with public utilities and related organizations supporting the safe generation of nuclear power. He was well known and respected in his field. After retirement in 2013 Fred found more time for visiting family and other travel with Lynne; for additional volunteering at his church – First Church of Christ, Scientist; and for long-time hobbies playing golf and researching family history. Less than a month after retiring he discovered a new passion teaching math for the Cape Fear Literacy Council and took great pride in the accomplishments of his students. Fred was a gentle soul who gave everyone the benefit of the doubt. He disliked conflict and was a master of reconciliation, an asset in his professional work as well as at home. His daughters knew there was always a second, third, and fourth chance… and occasionally used that to their benefit! He was a master of ‘dad jokes’ and puns and was the preferred sandcastle building partner for all his grandchildren. Only a few things tested his temper: his favorite sports teams playing badly, and a poor round of golf. Fred’s strong Christian faith was central to his life. His journey onward is guided by the certainty of eternal life as taught and demonstrated in the life and resurrection of Christ Jesus. … Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. (Matt. 25:21) Fred’s family is grateful for the kindness of many friends, neighbors, and caregivers these last weeks and for support provided by Lower Cape Fear LifeCare. A gathering to honor Fred’s life is planned for Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Magnolia Greens Club Room - 1800 Tommy Jacobs Drive, Leland, NC.