Marvin Westrom

Marvin Westrom, 84, of Elbow Lake, MN, died on Thursday, September 1, 2022, in Cottage Grove, MN, surrounded by family.

Marvin Westrom was born April 9, 1938 to Selmer & Hilda (Johnson) Westrom. He graduated from Elbow Lake High School in 1956. Marv's work ethic was engrained in him from a very young age. There was no job too big or too small, he loved the accomplishment of a hard day's work.

At 18 years old, Marv began his career working as a janitor at 1st National Bank in Elbow Lake. Through the next few years he owned and operated M&R snowmobile with Rodney Christianson, and spent many hours growing his farm. Marv enlisted in the U.S. Army where he faithfully served from 1960 to 1966, until his honorable discharge. After completing his military service, Marv's hard work and dedication allowed him to purchase 1st National Bank in partnership with Orv Amundson. Together, Marv and Orv designed and built a new building for 1st National. Marv also owned and operated Westrom Realty Land Company, a Travel Agency and an Insurance Brokerage. After 25 years, Marv sold 1st National Bank and purchased Elbow Lake Motors to focus on his love of cars. He eventually sold his dealership and began working at Heartland Motors where he continued until his retirement at the age of 84 in June 2022.

As much as Marv loved to work, his family was always his top priority. On October 30, 1959, he married Mary Miles. From this marriage he was blessed with three children that he loved dearly, Mike, Craig, and Marcy. On January 30, 1988, he married Connie (Majkrzak) Kvasager. Marv lovingly accepted Connie's three daughters as his own and proudly referred to their big blended family as "the Brady Bunch". He was a loving father who taught his children to work hard and play hard, and to not to take things for granted. His motto was "you can't do it tomorrow", meaning seize the opportunities that come your way, take the risk, try something new, go for it.

Marvin enjoyed many fishing trips to Canada, Alaska and the Great Lakes. He cherished the time spent boating, taking kids waterskiing and all sorts of water sports at Pomme de Terre Lake. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, snowmobiling, collecting many cars throughout the years, and hunting. Marv enjoyed traveling, Hawaii being his favorite vacation destination. He was always ready to go out for a nice dinner with his family. Spending time with his life-long best friend and business partner, Orv Amundson and going to the Big Chief for breakfast Saturday mornings was the highlight of his week. Marvin enjoyed visiting his daughter, Marcy in Arizona. Marvin loved his Heartland Motors family. A special thanks to Dan Dripps at Heartland Motors who was a very dear friend to Marv.

Preceding Marvin in death were his parents, Selmer & Hilda Westrom, brother Leonard Westrom, son, Mike Westrom, and special mother-in-law, Avis.

Marvin is survived by his wife, Connie Westrom; Father-in-law Walter; brother Waldmore (Marlene) Westrom; children, Craig (Mary) Westrom, Marcy Westrom, Tracy (Frank) Nellans, Terry (Dean) Staley, Jennifer (Jason) Harstad; grandchildren Andy (Emily), Amy & Austin Westrom, Samantha, Harvey, Shumani, Alex, Savannah, and Grayson Westrom, Ava, Kate & Jack Nellans, Ella Johnson, Kennedy & Owen Staley, Luke (Celeste), Noah & Sophia Harstad; Great-grandchildren Gabe & Calla Westrom; along with many nieces & nephews, brothers & sisters-in-law.

Memorial Gathering: Friday, September 9, 2022, from 3 – 7 P.M. at the Erickson-Smith Funeral Home in Elbow Lake, with a prayer service at 4:30.

Interment: 7:30 P.M., Friday, September 9, 2022 at Union Cemetery, Elbow Lake, MN

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

There will be a Celebration of Life from 3:00 to 7:00 PM on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at the Arrowwood Resort, Alexandria, MN.