Marie A. (Mueller) Emerson

Marie A. Emerson, age 78, of Knox, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday,January 7, 2026.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Marie was born on July 10,1947, in Altadena, California, to the late George Sr. and Dorothy (Christenson) Mueller.

On September 24, 1986, Marie married Steven C. Emerson, who survives. She is also lovingly remembered by their daughter, Kimberly Thomas of Hanna, Indiana; her cherished granddaughter, Leslie (Logan) Bailey of Whitesboro, Texas; sister-in-law,Loretta Mueller; nephews Matt (Shana) Mueller, Brett Mueller, Chett (Lauren) Mueller, Deno (Rachael) Valone, Nick (Taylor) Valone, Raymond Kottka II, Jason Kottka, Chris Kottka and Jaime Chavez; along with many cousins.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, George F. Mueller Jr.

Marie dedicated over 30 years of her career to the medical field, working in billing and coding in Florida, and most recently in Indiana at the La Porte Hospital network before her retirement. She also generously gave her time as a volunteer at the Horse & Pony and Rabbit food booths during the 4-H Fair. Marie treasured time spent with friends and coworkers, who often found her and Steve enjoying meals together at the Downtown Depot in Knox and now the Caboose Café in Hamlet, where she especially enjoyed her favorite dishes prepared by Rob and served by Amanda and Amy.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported and cared for Marie over the past year. She deeply valued visits from friends and family and especially her time with caregivers Heather and Lauren. Special thanks are given to the staff at NW Health Starke and La Porte for their compassionate care, as well as to Carly from VNA Hospice and the nurses who provided comfort and support during her final days.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana.

A Celebration of Life service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

A luncheon will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Caboose Café, 4020 E. Old US Highway 30, Hamlet, Indiana, immediately following the Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Marie’s memory to the LaPorte County Council 4-H Rabbit Food Stand, The Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation, or VNA Hospice.

A private burial service will take place at a later date in Door Village Cemetery.

To light a virtual candle, share a cherished memory, or leave a message of comfort for Marie’s family, please visit esslingfuneralhome.com.

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