Reuben E. Emerson

Reuben Earl Emerson was born January 9, 1916, in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, the son of Minot and Olga Luraas Emerson. He grew up in the Cottage Grove area and was working as a laborer there before the United States entered World War II.

During World War II, Emerson served in the U.S. Army Air Forces. He attained the rank of Corporal and served as an armorer, a position responsible for the weapons and related equipment used by Army Air Forces personnel and aircraft. A newspaper account following his discharge reported that Emerson had completed 38 months of military service and was discharged at Tampa, Florida.

On December 14, 1940, Reuben married Elvira Amelia Schantz of Madison in Dubuque, Iowa. Following his military service, the couple made their home in the Stoughton area. Reuben initially worked for the Stoughton Trailer Company and then farmed in the Stoughton area for approximately 20 years. In 1961, he began a second career as a carpenter, working in that trade for 17 years before retiring in 1978.

Emerson became a longtime member of American Legion Post 59 and eventually served as Post Commander during the 1979–1980 term. His involvement with the Legion was especially evident in programs benefiting young people. He sponsored participants in Badger Boys State for six years and also sponsored the Legion All-Star baseball team, two programs that reflected the American Legion's longstanding emphasis on youth and citizenship.

He was also a lifetime member of the Stoughton Conservation Club and a member of First Lutheran Church.

Elvira died in 1978 after nearly 38 years of marriage. Reuben later married Beulah Mulcahy on May 23, 1987. His family included daughters Sharon and Nancy; Nancy preceded him in death.

Reuben Earl Emerson died May 29, 2002, at William S. Middleton Memorial Hospital in Madison at the age of 86. He was buried at Eastside Lutheran Cemetery in Stoughton.

From his 38 months of service as an Army Air Forces armorer during World War II to his decades of involvement with Post 59, Emerson's life reflected a continuing commitment to service. His work with Badger Boys State and American Legion baseball also helped carry that service forward to younger generations.