Emma Lou Priem

Emma Lou Rae Priem entered Heaven’s gates on November 12, 2025, greeted by the loving hand of her husband Don, waiting to be together again.

Emma Lou Rae Sulflow was born on July 6, 1957, in Madelia, MN to Lorenz and Deloris (Grunewald) Sulflow. She was baptized and confirmed at Salem Lutheran Church in Madelia, MN in her faith. Emma Lou attended school in Madelia until her parents moved to LaSalle, MN where she graduated from St James High School in 1975. Emma continued her education in a two-year course of sales and marketing.

On April 25, 1981, Emma married the love of her life, Donald Priem at Salem Lutheran Church in Madelia, MN. They made their home in the Waseca area. Emma was a very active leader with the 4-H food stand. For 25 years, Emma and Don opened their home and hearts through foster care, guiding and caring for many young men along the way. During all those years, Emma also dedicated herself to full-time work at Hillcrest Rehabilitation Center in Mankato, retiring in 2024 after 47 years of service.

Of all the blessings that colored Emma’s life, the greatest were her three grandsons; Taylor, Wyatt, and Logan; who brought laughter, pride, and endless love to her days. Among the many little joys Emma cherished were her coffee, a cold Diet Coke, lively card games, friendly conversations, and the laughter she shared with her quilting friends.

Emma will be lovingly remembered by sons, Chris(Kristin) Priem and Dennis Priem; Amy Priem; grandsons: Taylor, Wyatt, and Logan; sisters, Debra (Ross Royer) Baumgard, Cindy Sulflow, and Jody (Felix) Rodriguez; brother-in-law, Curt (Colleen) Priem; nieces and nephews, Andrew Baumgard, Ashley (Titan) Tirso-Najera, Michael Sulflow, Jorge (Jamila) Murillo, and Jeremy (Julia) Priem; great nephew, Raphael Murillo, adopted grandson, Jordan Dawley, her cat, Lulu; along with many wonderful friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Donald in 2022; nephew, Adam Baumgard; her mother and father-in-law Dee & Leo Priem; and her pup, Jazz.

A memorial service for Emma will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St Paul Lutheran Church in Meriden, MN; Pastor Billie Jo Wicks will officiate. Emma's family will greet guests at a visitation two hours prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at St Paul Lutheran Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.