Emerson D. Taylor
January 30, 1942 - May 02, 2021
Obituary
MADISON- Emerson Taylor, age 79, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, May 2, 2021, following a long illness due to Cortical Basal Cell Degeneration, a rare untreatable neurodegenerative disease.
Emerson was born on Jan. 30, 1942, in Spokane, Wash., to Alpha and Edgar Taylor. He grew up in Spokane and graduated from Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Wash., with a degree in economics. After spending six months traveling throughout Europe in a Volkswagen Bug, Emerson moved to Madison, Wis., in 1968 for a job with Oscar Mayer and Company. He later worked for Container Corporation of America in Chicago. Emerson’s specialty was employee benefits and while living in Doylestown, Pa., he researched, wrote and published a book, “Graduates Guide to Business Success,” which was used by several colleges for their business students.
Emerson married Cathie Taylor in 1972 and they have two sons, Kyland (Lauren) of Madison and Brendan (Jamie) and their children, Charles, Lily and Brooks of Deerfield. Family gatherings at the Taylor house were a favorite time for him.
Emerson was an avid reader of non-fiction and traveled to many of the places he read about, often alone with only a backpack for his belongings. He was also known to enjoy a pint or five, and was equally renowned for his “Irish exits.”
In addition to his immediate family, Emerson is survived by his sisters-in-law, Geri McPherson of Raleigh, N.C., and Donna Dietrich of Madison; and brother-in-law, Daniel (Roberta) Dietrich of Madison. He also leaves behind his cousins that he grew up with, Anne Heaton of Walla Walla, Wash., and Andy and Tony Ziegler from Yakima, Wash. His best friend, Dooley, will miss laying at his feet. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Bruce Dietrich.
The family would like to thank his caregiver for the past three years, Cynthia, and Agrace HospiceCare for their exceptional care.
Emerson’s family will be having a private celebration of his life at a later date. Memorials may be made in his name to Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, Dane County Humane Society or Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com .
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
AZ
Andy & Tammy Zeigler
Other •
With thoughts of peace and courage for you,
GM
Geri McPherson
Other •
Emerson was a wonderful brother-in-law, and a great person. I remember going to soccer games at McFarland Elementary School where Emerson cheered for Kyle and Brendan! Emerson was always their best cheerleader along with Cathie! Emerson was a great man and a great brother-in-law. I remember him taking me to a chiropractic appointment in Wisconsin. He waited patiently in the car for me, and then took me to lunch at the Green Lantern on Lake Kegonsa. It was comforting to know that he cared. Emerson was kind thought provoking. I remember spending the night with Cathie and Em at the four plex on Lake Kegonsa ,and talking well into the night with a glass or two of wine discussing the value of student teaching. And, now Kyle is a teacher and is married to Lauren...a teacher! I also remember Emerson cheering on Kyle and Brendan at soccer games at McFarland. He was always so proud of his boys! Yes, Emerson was a great man!
TK
Terri Kosobucki
Other •
Kathy and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Emerson’s passing. Always remember, he is not gone, just gone ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless, Terri and John Kosobucki
JM
judy miyagawa
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I am just now reading this with a heavy heart for Em's family. Long illness with a lot of long love of family, death still stings in the end. "Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine through to let us know they are happy and at peace". Sending hugs and Aloha, Judy Miyagawa