Louanne Sue Emerson passed away on April 5, 2023, at Suncoast Hospice in Clearwater, FL, with her daughters, Cheryl and Kim by her side. She was 92 years old. Louanne was born on March 17, 1931, in Toledo, Ohio, to Frederick and Margery Heidtman, both of whom preceded her in death.
Louanne graduated from DeVilbiss High School in 1949, where she was an active member of Iota Psi Upsilon and involved in various clubs. She went on to earn her BBA from The University of Toledo, where she excelled in academics and extracurricular activities. Louanne was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, Peppers Honor Society (currently Mortar Board), and Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges. She was also recognized for her participation in a variety of sports, including baseball, field hockey, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and bowling, and was awarded the Toledo University Athletic “T.”
After graduating from college, Louanne worked at Heidtman Steel as a bookkeeper before embarking on a career as a high school teacher. She was a devoted member of Bethel Lutheran Church and Heatherdowns Country Club, where she won numerous golf tournaments. She continued to play golf, bridge, and Mah Jongg after moving to Florida in 1994 with her husband Mike, residing first in Timber Greens and later in Heritage Springs in Pasco County.
In her final years, Louanne lived at Regency Oaks, where she served as the chairperson of the “Because We Care” organization. She channeled her creative talents to create greeting cards, the proceeds of which were used to purchase books for their libraries, flowers for shut-ins and long term care residents.
Louanne was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 53 years, William “Mike” Emerson; son, Steven Miller; grandson, Andrew Weber; and brother, Frederick William Heidtman.. She is survived by her daughters, Cheryl (Dan) Weber, Kimberly (Mike) Murry; grandchildren Ward Weber, Alexis (Dr. Mitchell) Challis, Chase Murry and Morgan (Reid) Rice; and nine great-grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to Suncoast Hospice at 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760, in memory of Louanne.
Lexi Challis
April 19, 2023, 12:07 pm
Grandma Lou we love and miss you so much already. Thank you for showing us how to be fierce and loyal. How to go for what you want and not back down. Thank you for being loving and remembering every birthday for all your children and grandchildren. Thank you for sharing all of your many talents with us and showing us “if there’s a will there’s a way”. I hope I can be as strong and smart and loving as you. We will miss you, and even though you are gone you are not forgotten. Not only does your memory live on but your fierceness lives on in the hearts of your descendants.
I know we will see you again in heaven and glorious will be our reunion. Until then, I know you’ll be cheering us on in every way- especially your great grandchildren when they are playing their many sports. We love you forever.
Jennifer kashtan
April 19, 2023, 1:10 pm
She will be missed. I am grateful for the many family occasions where we enjoyed time with her and her lovely husband Mike. She was spunky and vibrant. Grandma Lou was always the brightest flower in the room. She is at peace now and reunited with her husband and grandson and as Natalie and Jameson would say, Gator.