Elsie (Ekstrom) Martin

Elsie Viola (Ekstrom) Martin, age 88 of Brooklyn Center, passed away May 6, 2024. Born to Swedish immigrant parents, Salvation Army officers, Brig. Erik and Margit Ekstrom, on Jan. 4, 1936, in Chicago, IL. She attended North Park Academy then received her BA from UMD; an MA from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL; and attended Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Germany. Elsie taught at Maine West High School in IL and Edina High School. In 1961, she married John (Jay) Martin. They raised their kids in Minnetonka. Elsie was a girl scout leader and coach and spent countless hours helping her children learn to play the violin. Later, she worked at the University of Minnesota and was a proud union representative. She is survived by her brother Ingemar (Jeanne) Ekstrom, her son Thomas Martin, daughters Elise (Bruce) Bushard, Lindy (Seth) Forstater and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents & sister Gloria (Roger) Froelich. Funeral for close family and friends at 2pm on June 8, 2024, at Cornerstone Assisted Living 3750 Lawndale Lane N, Plymouth (limited seating). Public reception immediately follows at 3pm - 4pm. Donations to the American Swedish Institute and the Salvation Army. neptunesociety.com

Published on May 26, 2024