Emmarella Westrom

Emmarella Dorothy Westrom, 78 of Elbow Lake, MN died Friday, November 19, 2021 at the Prairie Ridge Hospital in Elbow Lake, MN.

Emmarella was born October 7, 1943 to Loren Henry and Christina Elizabeth (Crandall) Ohlen in Blairstown, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at the Lutheran Church in Luzerne, Iowa. She attended Blairstown High School, graduating in 1962 where she was involved in 4-H showing cattle at the local fairs and played high school basketball. She continued on with her education at the University of Minnesota-Morris, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in education.

On August 30, 1969, Emma married Norlin Arnold Westrom at the Methodist Church in Minneapolis.  They moved to Elbow Lake, and are the parents of three children, Jerry, Nori and Kevin. Emma worked as a substitute teacher in Herman, Elbow Lake, Hoffman and Ashby. She later worked at the DAC in Hoffman working with the developmentally disabled. Emma also worked as a travelling Head Start Teacher for several years. She was appointed by Gov. Carlson to serve on the rural Mental Health State Advisory Board. Emmarella was an advocate for Title 9 and Women’s Rights. She was very active in church and served as a Sunday School Teacher.

In her spare time, Emma enjoyed watching the MN Twins & MN Lynx. She would cheer on her children and grandchildren in their extra-curricular activities and supported her local church circle. She liked listening to Elvis Presley, and spending time visiting with all who would listen.

Emma is survived by her husband, Norlin; children, Jerry (Liz) Westrom, Nori (Dan) Jungmann, and Kevin Westrom; four grandchildren, Sidney, Kassidy, J.R. Westrom and Nicholas Jungmann; brothers, Chuck (Sarah) Ohlen of Centreville, VA and Bill Ohlen of Elberon, IA; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Loren & Christina Ohlen.

Funeral Service: 1PM Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at United Lutheran Church, Elbow Lake, with a visitation one hour prior at the church.

Clergy: Pastor Jean Ohman

Interment: Ness Cemetery, Elbow Lake, MN

Funeral arrangements are with the Erickson-Smith Funeral Home of Elbow Lake.