In those early years, the Little Turkey (Saude) Congregation was served by Pastor Ulrik V. Koren from his home southeast of Decorah. Due to his serving many outlying areas, the candidates for Confirmation walked the 30 plus miles for instructions. Emma, 15, and the other young people from Little Turkey were confirmed in the Washington Prairie Church. Emma was very happy to revisit the church in her old age!

Her oldest sister, Jane, had found employment in Decorah and soon after confirmation, Emma went to Decorah. By working and going to school, she received a third class certificate and began teaching. Later she received a first class certificate and taught nearly twenty years in Chickasaw and adjacent counties. She then took a course in stenography and worked about 13 years in Chicago.

Emma was tall, at least 5'8", well proportioned and carried herself with dignity. She had dark brown hair which turned white prematurely. She was interested in education and had a thirst for knowledge, which was evident in the many well-written letters she wrote family and friends. She did not marry.

Due to failing health, she moved to Cresco, Iowa to be near her family. The last four years, she spent in the home of her oldest sister, Jane, Mrs. Peter Overboe, in New Hampton. She died at the New Hampton Hospital, July 30, 1921 at age 68, with her sister, Mary Vaala, at her side. Her funeral service was held at Saude Lutheran Church and she was laid to rest there beside her parents and sister, Anna. Her casket bearers were Art Converse, George, Tom, Alfred, Adolph, and Carl Munson.