John Emslie

John B. Emslie passed away peacefully at his home near McCanna, ND on October 27,2020 at the age of 77. He was born March 27,1943 in Rugby, ND to his parents Chester and Ruth (Bullock) Emslie. He attended country schools as a child and graduated from Larimore High School in 1961. He graduated from North Dakota State University and served in the Air National Guard in Fargo. On February 12, 1972 he married the love of his life Eleanor Jane McHugh in Council Bluffs, IA. They raised their two children, Timothy and Heather on the family farm. He leaves behind his beloved bride, his children Timothy (Kimberly) Emslie of Plymouth, MN and Heather (David) Johnson of Leesburg, FL. His grandchildren Chloe, Paige, Titus, and Colette Emslie; Matthew, Daniel, Karina, and Zachary Johnson, his siblings Ardath (John) Brogger, of Northfield, MN; David (Dorothy)  Emslie of Cibolo, TX; and Janice (Jack, deceased) of Phoenix, AZ.

John loved God, treasured his family, and faithfully managed his farm. He was the fourth generation of North Dakota Emslie farmers, and his legacy is continued into a fifth generation by his son Timothy. The most important decision he made was as a young adult, when he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior after attending Bible camp services near McCanna. His most prominent personality traits were patience and a good sense of humor. He loved talking to other people, and could make the telling of everyday happenings into a compelling story. For over 20 years he and his family hosted foreign exchange university students, sharing the basics of American agriculture with them.  He served on county and township boards, volunteered at polling sites, and was a 4H leader.

John was a charter member of New Testament Baptist Church in Larimore, ND. He taught Sunday School, served as a trustee, and sang in the choir for decades. Funeral services will be held at the church where he lovingly served at 11:00 AM on Monday November 2, 2020 with viewing one hour prior. Burial will be in Bellevue Cemetery, Larimore.   Military Honors will be provided by the Ted Valerius Post 97 of the Larimore American Legion.

Memorial flowers and contributions may be addressed to NTBC, 701 E Front St, Larimore, ND, 58251

Live streaming will be available by going to:  www.facebook.com/ntbconline