The first time we met Arthur, we thought he was a blowhard. After a few more times spent with him we realized that everything he said was true. What an exceptional man.

Arthur always had stories about almost everything. The ones we liked most were about his time performing in front of soldiers when on tour with the army.  He was the most honest person I have known.

We are with John, memories of happy times with Arthur are too many to try and recount.  We can say though as some highlights we really enjoyed his introductions at classic movies at the Palace.  He could excite you with new stories about a film you'd seen many times already.  We also enjoyed running to him at breakfasts at Main Street Bistro/Bakery and tipping a glass of wine at event memories we shared.  

To all the family, we offer our sympathy and prayers!

Bob and Martie

     I want to thank Lisa for contacting my husband Al via Facebook to let us know that Uncle Art had died. He's with Aunt Mildred again. Both are missed.
     Al and I visited Aunt Mildred, Larry, and Judy in 1969/70 when they lived in Ft. Belvoir. (Al was stationed at Ft. Bragg.)  In 1972, I saw her again in Sioux Falls when she, Judy, and Grandma Wagner were visiting my family. 
      Both times I didn't see Uncle Art; since he was a magician, I had a "story" about him "disappearing." In 1981 I was in Chicago for a conference and afterwards visited Jim and Gretchen and Sr. Maristella in Knox IN.  Art and Mildred arrived too. His first words to me were "I don't disappear, Marcy."  While in Knox having a happy visit, we had the pleasure of other "disappearances," wonderfully entertained by the magic of my uncle.  I remember Mildred said he was known as "the fastest mouth in the East."  Art gave me several tricks for our son Leo who was interested in magic at the time.
     The 2005 "Wagner Reunion" in Campbellsport WI with Sr. Maristella was filled with visiting, much laughter, and identifying (and taking) pictures.  Uncle Art, Aunt Gretchen, Sr. Maristella, and two more generations--Wagners, inlaws/"outlaws"(silliness)--all joined in the fun. Even "Mark Twain" showed up. I have pictures of Lisa and Randy Starr (my sister Barb's late husband) visiting and playing around on the piano.
     One meal found us at table with with Uncle Art. He was recounting a story he'd seen about the "discovery" of coffee beans-Arabica and Robusto-by shepherds herding, counting their sheep. To which Al replied, "You know what happens when you count sheep; you need something to keep you awake."  Art took a second, laughed at that retort.
     In recent years we have enjoyed the Christmas e-cards that Uncle Art would send us.   
     Our sympathy and prayers are with all your family at this time. 
Marcy and Al Mauler
 sdcitygirl46@gmail.com
     
    
     
    



There are too memories of Arthur to try to remember one.  What we loved most about Arthur was his ability to keep every one enthralled with his many stories of his life.  He could always be counted on to keep any occasion up-beat and happy.  We will miss him more than we could have thought possible.

OBITUARY

Arthur Joseph Emerson Jr.

17 October, 1928 – 1 June, 2018

Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home & Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services