Obituary - Emma Jean Larsen Lewellen

Emma Jean Larsen Lewellen started her journey home on June 21, 2018.

She was born at Fort Belknap, Montana, on April 13, 1929, the sixth child to Berthathmue Larsen and Angela Ragged Robe Larsen. 

Emma Jean married Joseph Francis Lewellen on December 25, 1951. Raising their family of three children, they lived in Washington, Arizona, California and almost every town in Montana. Their retirement years were spent in Fort Belknap, Montana, where they owned and operated "J & J Second Hand Store." She enjoyed being a part of the community, cooking delicious meals for her family, watching game shows and mysteries, putting puzzles together, playing games, planting flowers and playing in the dirt, was never late for bingo, and looked forward to the summer months when many of her nine grandchildren, nieces, and nephews would visit and spend time on the "dog farm." They created and still have many fond memories of those lazy days.

After her husband passed away in 2005, she moved to Minneapolis with her daughter, Hattie, where she lived for the last 13 years of her life. She was happy to be around and play with her six youngest great-grandchildren.

Emma Jean had 11 brothers and sisters, Bert, Zach, Billie Mae, Roy (Hoot), Naomi, Richard, Delores, Ruthe, Edday, Billy, and Karen. She talked about them every day and even in her last days called out for them by their names. Her parents, siblings, husband, only son, Jesse Lawrence Lewellen, and son-in-law Duane R. Karlin all preceded her in death. 

Emma Jean is survived by her two daughters, JoAnn Karlin of Kalispell, Montana, and Hattie Lewellen (Gary) Wiysel of Minneapolis, Minnesota; nine grandchildren, Jess (Deb) Lewellen of Whitefish, Montana; William (Cecelia) Lewellen and Ben Lewellen, both of Kalispell, Montana; Richard (Bobbi Jo) Lewellen of Spokane, Washington, and Lisa Lewellen of Denver, Colorado; Darlene (Mike) Grachek and Duane B. Karlin both of Kalispell, Montana; Justin (Dania) Wiysel of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Sarah Wiysel of Minneapolis, Minnesota; as well as nieces, nephews, and many great-grandchildren.

Her smile and laugh will always be one of the greatest gifts she gave us. A memorial service will be held in Fort Belknap, Montana, in June of 2019, email [email protected] for details and updates.