Walter William Salo, 86, of Deer River, Minn., died quietly in his home Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008 of natural causes. Walter was born in 1921 in his maternal grandmother's home in Suomi (Deer River) Minn. He attended school until the eighth grade in a small, one room school in Suomi. After that, he worked for the CCC in Aurora, and then hopped freight trains to work in the North Dakota farmlands and in the apple orchards in Washington. Walter proudly served his country during World War II in the Navy as a deep sea diver and an underwater welder. He was united in marriage to Geraldine Louise McEwen on Sept. 23, 1944 in Washington, D.C. He was a welder following the war and owned and operated Salo Welding Company in Duluth for 25 years until his retirement. For 28 years, Walter and Jerry spent their winters in Port St. Lucie, Fla., and their summers at their cabin on Maki Lake in Suomi. For many years he belonged to Euclid Lodge, Aad Temple Shrine and the Scottish Rite Bodies all of Duluth, Knights of Kaleva, Suomi Lutheran Church and was a lifetime member of the VFW. Preceding him in death were his parents, Otto and Ida Salo; two brothers, Roy and Marvin Salo; his sister, Ruth Kukkonen; infant brother, Melvin, and sister, Edna. Survived by his wife of 63 years, Jerry; three daughters, Diane (Edwin) Olson, Carol (Charles) Haire and Kathy Salo; two grandsons, Rick and Jason Olson; one great-grandson, Brandon Haire; one sister, Elna (Merlyn) Johnson; two sisters-in-law, Helen (Marvin) Salo and Caroline (Roy) Salo; many nieces and nephews. VISITATION:11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, until the Memorial Service at 12 noon in Suomi Lutheran Church, Suomi, Minn. Full Military Honors will be performed following the service in Suomi Lutheran Church by the VFW Perry Hiede Post 9703 of Talmoon, Minn. Rev. Vicki Taylor and Rev. Dennis Paulson will officiate. Inurnment will be at Suomi Cemetery, Suomi, Minn., at a later date. Arrangements are by the Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids, MN.
This obituary was originally published in the Duluth News Tribune.
Geri and family
I was so sorry to hear about Walters passing. I have many fond memories of when Denny and I would take Mike and David to visit in Duluth and over to the cabin. My thoughts are with you. Cindy
cindy hoppe
February 28, 2008 | Deer River
Kathy and family,
Just wanted to say how much Walt meant to me when I worked for him at Salo Welding. You couldn't have asked for a better boss. I am glad I was one of the lucky people that got to be part of his life. I know how much Walt will be missed by his family and freinds.
Mike Mulek
February 28, 2008 | HERMANTOWN, MN
Jerry and girls;
My sympathy to you at this time of Walter's passing. I always enjoyed drinking coffee and telling stories with him; he always had a smile and the firm handshake of a friend. He will be missed. Paul Saari, Matt, Megan, David, and boys.
Paul Saari
February 27, 2008 | Moorhead, MN
Kathy,and family
I just want you to know that my prayers and love is with you always walt was a great and wonderful human being for letting me be a part of the Salo family,I have always had great respect for your family and realitives,Geri,you have not lost your husband because we will always remember him and as long as one is remembered they will never die and I will always remember Walter Salo the (welder)
Mark Medved
February 26, 2008 | Duluth, MN
Gerry & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss of Walter. I am having a hard time with this as he was special to me.Being able to visit his welding shop was my ealiest memory. I remember so many good times at Uncle Johns place. From The pepermint candy from years ago, to the fishing on the lake. Coming to visit and seeing Walter's bobber on the lake as he relaxed and fished from the porch. To seeing the northern that he had caught the day before still in the tank waiting for supper time. To...
Jon & Starla Johnson
February 26, 2008 | Statesboro, GA
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Walter was truly a wonderful man whom always wore a smile on his face. I’m sure growing up we kids kept him entertained always singing, or carrying on loudly just up the road. He probably wondered about us on many occasions. :)
Just know that though we are far away, you are all very much in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Kaye Maki, Julia (Maki) Pyrah and family (Aaron, Claudia, Joseph, and Cecelia)
Julia Pyrah
February 26, 2008 | Lusby
Dear Jerry, Diane, Carol, & Kathy~
We are so sorry to learn of Walter's passing. We all have so many wonderful memories of the times we have all shared together in Suomi over the years. Walter will always remain one of our favorite neighbors.
Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Our love~
Carol & Liz
Carol Frisby
February 26, 2008 | Cocoa, FL
Kathy and Family,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family for the loss of your Dad. We will always remember Walter with his smile and friendliness to everyone he met. Our thoughts are with you during these difficult times.
Steve & Sherry Johnson
February 26, 2008 | Hermantown, MN
We are so sorry for your loss,I no you were very good friends with my husband Darrels parents,and when Floyd and Betti come for a visit and they decide to take a trip down memory lane,your names always come up we are again sorry for your loss,and i am very sure he will be missed by many friends and family .Darrel and Chris Levens
Darrel Levens
February 26, 2008 | Johnstown, CO
