Ellen Regina Starkka age 84 of Crosslake passed away at her home on December 2, 2017 surrounded by family.  She was born on August 4, 1933 in Des Moines, IA to Ernest and Starr (Pritchard) Ahlberg.  Ellen met Ernie Starkka in Brainerd while spending summers in Crosslake at her parent’s cabin on Dagget Bay. They were married in Sisseton, SD on January 23, 1954.  After starting her family of six children, she began her career as a EMT. Together with a small group of people started the first ambulance service in the Crosslake area.  She was known for being available for emergencies while working at the families business. Lamas, birds, fish and dogs were a part of family life. 

Ellen is survived by two sons, Ron Starkka of Nisswa, Dan (Kathy) Starkka of Monticello; three daughters, Starr Jarvis and Jean Starkka both of Crosslake and Joan Nevin of Shawnee, OK; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren; special friends, Charlotte, Sue and Cheryl, were always there up to the end.  She will be miss by many.

Preceding Ellen in death are her parents; her husband Ernie and one son, Dennis “Oly” Starkka.

Graveside services will be 3:00 pm on Friday, December 8, 2017 at the Pinewood Cemetery in Crosslake.  Visitation will be on Friday from noon until 2:00 pm at the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.

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