Erik Joseph Emerson

Erik Joseph Emerson passed away peacefully on Monday, September 14 at 12:30 am in Cheyenne, Wyoming. His wife, Sharon Emerson, was by his side. Erik had spent the preceding days surrounded by family and friends.

A service to celebrate Erik’s life will be held on Saturday, October 10th at 10:00 am in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Details about the service and reception can be found on this website: https://kaitlyneemerson9.wixsite.com/erik-emerson-memoria. We invite family and friends to honor his legacy by sharing their favorite stories and memories of the remarkable life he lived.

Born on January 16, 1967, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Erik was the second of three children born to Sharon McHugh and Russel Emerson. The five of them soon settled in Casper, Wyoming where Erik’s childhood was filled with outdoor adventures, cars, and time with his friends and siblings, Kristen Cordova and Arne Emerson. He loved hiking, skiing, camping, fishing, backpacking, and, occasionally, caving. These early experiences nurtured a love of nature and a sense of adventure that followed him until the very end.

Erik graduated from Natrona County High School and then took classes at Casper College for a semester before leaving to attend truck driving school, thanks to the encouragement of his mother and aunt, where he quickly found his calling on the open road. His lifelong career as a truck driver led him to Sharon, his wife of nearly 32 years, who affectionately referred to him as “a man who drives truck”. Together, they built a lifelong partnership through trust, support, and love. Erik believed their relationship was best described through the lyrics of “18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses” by Kathy Mattea. Sharon and Erik loved camping, driving in search for moose, and taking weekend trips to cabins in the mountains together. They dreamed of buying a small camper and traveling the country in their retirement years.

During his career, Erik visited 49 states, Canada, and Mexico, making him one of the most well-traveled members of his family. Despite his travel, Erik was most dedicated to his family, often sacrificing his own time, money, and sometimes health to ensure they were happy and cared for. Family remained a guiding light for him throughout his life, especially in his final years. Whether it was large holiday gatherings filled with laughter and love or quiet moments spent with his wife, children and grandchildren, he cherished every opportunity to be with those he held closest in his heart.

Erik’s life was defined by his deep love for animals and an uncanny ability to bond with them. Known affectionately as “the animal whisperer” to many, Erik had a special place in his heart for the dogs and cats who became part of his family over the years. His beloved dog Lucy was a fierce companion and an immense source of joy, even in his final days.

Erik will be remembered as a man of unwavering loyalty, quiet strength, steadfast generosity, and, occasionally, a stubborn dedication to helping others while sacrificing his own wellbeing (like getting on the roof to take down Christmas lights mere months after a terminal brain cancer diagnosis and tumor resection). He was a devoted husband, a proud father, a doting grandfather, a loving son, a loyal brother, and a good friend who will be sorely missed.

Erik is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sharon Emerson and their four children: Brittaney Stewart and her partners Rachel Shelton and Sean Skinner, Mathieu Emerson and his wife Katelyn Emerson, Kaitlyn Emerson and her partner Daniel Rode, and Erik Emerson and his wife Danae Emerson; eight grandchildren, Winter, Parker, Jackson, Charlotte, Tazin, Odin, Melanie, and his unborn grandchild due in November; his mother, Sharon McHugh; and his brother, Arne Emerson. Erik was preceded in death by his father, Russel Emerson; his stepmother, Jeannie Emerson; and his sister, Kristen Cordova.

Though Erik’s journey ended far too soon, he is now free from pain and suffering. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His deep love of family and pets, his appreciation of life’s simple joys, and his enduring kindness will remain an inspiration to all who were fortunate to know him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Davis Hospice Center of Cheyenne, Wyoming or the Cheyenne Animal Shelter.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Davis Hospice Center for taking such good care of Erik in his final years and to everyone who has shared their condolences and helped take care of the family during this difficult time.