In Remembrance of Isaac Emerson Morey Northwood

Isaac Emerson Morey Northwood died March 5, 2026, at the age of 20.

Isaac grew up in White Bear Lake, enjoying the many parks, paths, lake activities, and especially the playgrounds that this lakeside community offers, developing many close friends. He was a wearer of hats, tree climber; and player of games: board games, computer games, outdoor games, and making up his own games. He was curious about nature, art, history, and exploring new things, especially with his two older brothers, cousins and friends. He loved being a kid. 

He was a happy camper and loved adventures; camping, BWCA trips, canoeing, backpacking and scuba diving. He traveled to Norway, Sweden, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Florida Keys, New Mexico, California and the Olympic Peninsula. He loved to hike, climb, ski, sled, tube, bike, play lava monster, frisbee golf, and Ultimate Frisbee; playing on White Bear Lake’s Varsity Ultimate Team through high school, and Captain for 3 years. 

Isaac was active in Scouts, signing up for every activity he could, attending Tomahawk Scout Camp, Philmont and Sea Base, with 3 full summers living in a tent as camp staff, which he loved. He also delivered the White Bear Press for years, first helping his Grampy and older brother, and later worked at Best Buy and Chipotle. He earned Eagle Scout rank in Troop 402; his Eagle Project restored Veteran’s graves at Roselawn Cemetery, the final resting place of his paternal grandparents, Betty and Al Morey. Isaac loved being a grandkid to his four grandparents who lived in White Bear Lake, enjoying the parades, building sand castles, having picnics and ice cream at Cup n Cone. He helped his maternal grandparents, Norma and Jim Mengel, as they transitioned from this life. 

Isaac’s silliness, kindness and laughter brought joy to all those around him, including his parents John and Mary (Mengel), brothers Ben and Jonah, sister-in-law Olivia, cats Millie, Theo and WALL-E, his large extended family, and many friends.

He was so loved that we are all shocked and saddened by his sudden death. Please reach out for support if you are struggling in any way, have concerns about your own mental health, or are concerned for another. Call or text the Crisis Lifeline at 988 to connect to a trained crisis counselor waiting to help 24/7. Support is free and confidential.

From Chaplain Tom who was with us the night of Isaac's death:

I have been holding you and your family close since that night. There are no words that can carry something like this, but I want you to know you are not alone in it.

I was deeply moved by the gathering the evening we met, by how many people showed up, and by the way Isaac’s presence was still so clearly among you. When I later read what you wrote about him, and especially that night, when you shared with me that his name means “laughter,” it stayed with me. It feels true, not just as a meaning, but as something he lived. I could see in the people there, in the stories I heard that night, and in the way he connected so many lives.

I don’t believe that kind of light disappears. I think it settles into the lives it touched. Even now, in the midst of grief, I see it quietly continuing in you, in your family, and in all those who carry him forward in ways they may not even yet understand.

I also want you to know that Isaac’s life has already mattered beyond what can be seen. There is something in me that has shifted not out of explanation, but out of witness. A desire to be more attentive, more present, and more intentional in how I show up for others before moments like this ever arrive.

I am grateful I was able to meet you, even in such a difficult time.