Emerson Rose Strieker, age 10, of Edwardsville, passed away Saturday, May 17, 2025, in St. Louis, MO. She was born December 12, 2014, in Breese, the daughter of Austin and Kristen (nee Deets) Strieker.
In addition to her loving parents, Emerson is survived by her brother, Nolan Strieker of Edwardsville; grandparents, David and Rose Ann Deets of Wood River and Bonnie Strieker of Breese; aunts and uncles, Monica Beckmann of Troy, Kary (Kaleo) Cobb-Adams of Glen Carbon, David (Ashleigh) Deets of Belleville, Aften (Kyle) Zurliene of Aviston, and Ariel (Brett) Dierkes of Aviston; and cousins, Carli, Anna, Halle, Tyler, Chase, Jack, Luke, Canaan, Nash, Georgia, Ames, and Maeve.
Emerson was preceded in death by her grandfather, Earl Strieker.
A bright student at Columbus Elementary in Edwardsville, Emerson was a proud member of the Jaguar Council and a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville. She brought her energy and enthusiasm to everything she did—whether on the soccer field with the Glen Ed Soccer Club or learning the game of golf through the Junior PGA at Oak Brook Golf Club.
Emerson found joy in life’s simplest moments: playing with her friends, riding bikes, expressing herself with art projects, creating notes for her loved ones, and making every room she entered a little brighter. She enjoyed planning everything from a sleepover itinerary, to her study schedule for math, to family holidays. Her natural talent for drawing and coloring was matched only by the beauty and kindness she expressed through her daily actions.
Known affectionately as a “social butterfly,” Emerson had an ability to make friends wherever she went. She could be at her brother’s baseball game or out of the country, and she’d strive to connect with others. Her laughter was contagious, her heart was generous, and she had a special way of uplifting others, especially younger children, with patience, compassion, and a sense of fun.
Even in her passing, Emerson’s spirit endures through her final, selfless act as a candidate for organ donation—continuing her legacy of love by giving the gift of life to others.
A celebration of Emerson’s life will be announced at a later date.
Memorials in honor of Emerson may be made to the Metro East Humane Society, Partners for Pets, or Edwardsville Neighbors and will be received by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 535 N 5th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
