Emma M. Erkman

Emma M. Erkman, 93, of Denver, passed away Saturday, May 22, 2010 at her home after a short illness

Emma was born on April 2, 1917 in Las Animas, Colorado. She was raised and educated there.

During World War II, Emma was working at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Denver as a Nurse's Aide. There, she met a patient named William J. "Bill" Erkman who was recovering from injuries sustained while serving his country in the United States Army. Emma and Bill began courting and were eventually married on August 18, 1945. They shared 63 years of marriage together before Bill died in June of 2008.

Emma continued to work after marrying Bill as a Nurse's Aide in various hospitals in the Denver area and in private residences. She then worked for a number of years at National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) while Bill also was employed there. After Bill left Nabisco to go to work for the United States Mint in Denver, Emma stayed home and enjoyed being a homemaker.

Emma and Bill were the first property owners in Granby, Colorado and they built five cabins on Bussey Hill. She and Bill enjoyed spending time at their mountain cabin, traveling, fishing and camping.

Emma passed away just a month and a half after her 93rd birthday.

Emma's family and friends will miss her deeply.

She is survived by three step-sisters, Ida May Davis, of Kit Carson, Colorado, Mertle Borski, of Vaisil, California and Mildred Willems, of Canon City, Colorado; a sister-in-law, Ruth Homan, of Longmont, Colorado; numerous nieces nephews and close friends.