Norlin Westrom

Norlin Westrom, 94 of Elbow Lake, Minnesota died Friday, June 13, 2025, at the Barrett Care Center.

Norlin Arnold Westrom was born to Bernard and Gina (Fagerberg) Westrom on October 11, 1930, on the home farm. He was baptized as a child, and confirmed in 1946, in the Bethania Lutheran Church of rural Elbow Lake.

All three of Norlin’s brothers served in World War II. Sidney O. Westrom was declared M.I.A. and his remains were never recovered. Norlin always held out hope that Sidney was still alive until Sidney’s army buddy stopped by the farm one Sunday night in the early 1970’s, and informed him that he had been with Sidney when a mortar had hit him.

On August 30, 1969, Norlin and Emmarella Ohlen were united in marriage at the Methodist Church in Minneapolis. They met at a wedding open house, being introduced by Norlin’s friend, Julian (‘Swede’) Larson. Norlin and Emma farmed and raised chickens, even milking a couple cows by hand twice daily. Norlin enjoyed hard work. He enjoyed visiting and working with his older cousins, Knute and Norman. They would do the wheat threshing by hand with horses on the south side of Round Lake by the one-room schoolhouse, where he graduated from the eighth grade. He spoke both English and Norwegian languages. Norlin is the last of his generation; he saw farming practices change from the horse and steam engines used on the Fagerberg farm to modern-day gps-guided tractors. He was often splitting wood by hand, which sometimes meant doing it at subzero temperatures. His favorite hobby was listening to and watching the Minnesota Twins games. He also liked gardening and selling the produce at the local farmers' markets. He was proud to be a Culligan man and cherished the visits with many of his customers over the years.

Norlin and family were blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful neighbors whom they spent much time with over the years, who all came to each other's assistance in times of need. This included the families of Sam Coleman, Myron Westrom, Norman Westrom, Knute Westrom, David Westrom, Chad Westrom, Dawn & Rod Bumgardner. Many of them came to check on Norlin & Emma in their later years to make sure they were doing okay and helping to clear the driveway in the wintertime.

He enjoyed a good conversation over a cup of coffee. He was a big Minnesota Twins fan, a Wild hockey and MN Lynx basketball fan. He enjoyed family, attending the grandkids' activities, and watching their sporting events.

He is survived by three children, Jerry (Liz) Westrom, Nori (Dan) Jungmann, Kevin Westrom; four grandchildren, Sidney, Kassidy, J.R. Westrom, and Nicholas Jungmann; sister-in-law Sally Westrom; and numerous relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Emma in 2021, four siblings: Blanche Westrom-Ricks, Louis Westrom Sr., Sidney Westrom, and George Westrom.

Funeral Service will be at 2:00 PM June 19, 2025, at United Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake with visitation one hour prior.

Interment at Ness Cemetery, rural Elbow Lake.

Arrangements by Erickson-Smith Funeral Home of Elbow Lake.