St. Louis Park, MN - Scott D. Westrem, 71, a scholar of medieval literature, geography, and travel, died in September in his home in St. Louis Park, MN. His scholarship explored how the medieval mind understood the known and imagined world. As a teacher, he inspired undergraduate and doctoral students at the City University of New York. He also lived as a scholar in Oslo, Heidelberg, Paris, and Stonington, CT, and traveled widely, mastering many languages. Born in Minneapolis, Scott pursued a life of curiosity and exploration, earning Eagle Scout honors and success in debate and speech competitions before graduating as valedictorian from Minnehaha Academy in 1971. He earned degrees in German and English from Wheaton College and a doctorate in English from Northwestern University. To scholars, he is best known for "The Hereford Map: A Transcription and Translation of the Legends with Commentary," which transformed understanding of the world's largest surviving medieval world map. To family and friends, he will be remembered for his personal warmth, humor and generosity. He was preceded in death by beloved grandmothers, Helga Nokleby and Olga Westrem, to whom he dedicated his first book, and parents Douglas and Mary Westrem. He is survived by a sister, Barb Westrem, a brother, Reid Westrem (Robyn); cousins Tom Krause (Nicole), Todd Krause, Karen Nokleby Robinson (Steve), Norman Nokleby (Jean) and Brian Nokleby (Diana); a niece, Kierstin Case; nephews Tyler Westrem (Miranda) and Beck Westrem; and many close friends and relatives. He was interred at St. John's Abbey Cemetery in Collegeville, MN. A memorial service will be held July 25 at Mindekirken, the Norwegian Lutheran Church (924 E 21st St, Minneapolis, 10 a.m. visitation, 11 a.m. service). Memorials to: libraries, MPR/TPT and groups supporting the environment, animal welfare & marginalized people.