Leland Ellsworth Emerson,96, of Rochester, MN passed away at the Stewartville Care Center on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014.

"Lee" was born in Mpls, MN on Feb. 13, 1917 to Donald and Amber(Westman) Emerson. He is survived by Sherry Burton, Lakeville,MN and Gary Emerson, Sylmar, CA, children from his first wife who died of Lupus very young.He remarried Evelyn (Campbell) Emerson in 1948 who died in 1996. They are survived by Nancy Jo-Ann (Emerson) Gedge, granddaughter Raina Johnson-Ketchum, grandson-in-law Michon Ketchum, and great-granddaughters Ashley Johnson and Laney Ketchum.

After his birth Lee moved to Rochester, MN. After high school he joined the U.S. Navy, age 18 and served in the Asiatic  area aboard different vessels including the Flagship U.S.S. Augusta with Admiral Yarnell. After 4 years in the Navy, he returned to Rochester and then moved to Southern California where he worked 40 years as a Quality Assurance Engineer in the aerospace industry inspecting instruments for fighter aircraft and the NASA moon landing.

Lee enjoyed exploring ghost towns and mining camps in California, Nevada and Arizona. He made silver turquoise jewelry and studied books on the American Indian. He was also active in his church, teaching Sunday School and working with the homeless in L.A.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00AM in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home on Wednesday, Jan. 22, conducted by the Rev. Jeff Utecht with visitation by family and guests one hour before. A military graveside service at Grandview Memorial Gardens will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Evangel United Methodist Church or Stewartville Care Center 120 NE 4th St. Stewartville,MN 55976 where Lee received outstanding care.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com