Melvin Leroy Salo, 71, passed away Wednesday, November 17, 2010, at Mt. Carmel Nursing Home in Milwaukee.
Melvin was born in McDougal, NY on July 11, 1939, son of Irja (nee: Hokkanen) and Arvo Salo. His mother later moved him and his sister Karen to L’Anse Michigan. After graduating from L’Anse High School he joined the Air Force and was stationed at Torrejon, in Madrid when he met his wife. On February 3rd, 1963 he was united in marriage to Maria “Maribel” Lozano-Molina in Alicante, Spain. Melvin served twenty years in the Air Force in Armament and Electronics for Tactical Fighter Squadrons stationed throughout the world. He was specially blessed by the lifelong friends he made at Kleine Brogel Air Force base in Belgium. After his first retirement he returned to school and graduated from Michigan Tech University, in Houghton, MI. He then moved his family to Racine, WI, to work for Grove Gear in Union Grove. As his second retirement approached, Melvin took up golf and began looking forward to his golden years.
Melvin leaves our world undoubtedly proud of his two children Cristina (Greg) Salo-Olson of Hales Corners and Steven (Angie) Salo of Wind Lake, and the precious gift of six grand children: Rachel, Mitch and Marissa Olson, Andrew, Nicholas, and Jonathon Salo. Melvin is survived by his loving wife of 48 years Maribel and his sister Karen and preceded in death by his parents.
The family invites anyone who knew Melvin to join them at Veterans Cemetery in Union Grove Tuesday November 23, 2010 at 2pm, to lay Melvin to rest with Full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations given to www.alz.org to help end Alzheimer’s or for you to join a Memory Walk in your area in 2011.
Unfortunately, though surviving cancer years earlier, Melvin was taken from us slowly over the last three years by a form of dementia called Pick’s Disease. The family would like to thank all who cared for Melvin at Becker-Shoop Nursing home in Racine, as well as those at Mt. Carmel who cared for Melvin and his family in his final months. Mel, may your mind and body be healed and your ability to watch over us blossom, with your memories of our love etched upon your soul.
Roger & Linda Juntunen says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you, Maribel, and your family – Cristina & Steven and their families.
Eamonn and Gayle Keane says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all today. He was a wonderful man with a wonderful family. With Love, Gayle, Eamonn, Scarlett, Magnolia, and EamonnOg Keane
Nancy Supanich says
Dear Cristina and family, Our thoughts are with you as you gather together to mourn the passing of your dad. I hope you can take comfort in knowing he loved you, and lives on in your hearts. I wish I could be there with you to share in your sorrow. May he rest in peace.
Kara Middleton says
Dear Maribel, Christina, Steven and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Mel's death. I remember seeing him at family gatherings on Sugar Island. He was such a kind and caring man. I also remember that he had my grandfather's eyes. When my mother was sick, he called her to see how she was doing, and this meant a great deal to her. I pray that you are comforted by knowing that Mel is at peace. We in Minneapolis are remembering him with you. Love, Kara
Junius & Marie Foret says
Dear Maribel,Cristina,Greg&Family, Steven,Angie & family. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. The Lord will walk beside you through these days of sorrow.He is resting in peace.
Patricia Bednar says
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you. It's a hard time for all, but he is in a better place and is whole again.
Tami Johnson (Bednar) says
Dear Maribel. I was so sorry to hear of Mel's passing. He was roomates with my father Roger Bednar at Becker-Shoop who as you know passed away this past March. It is still very difficult to not have him with us, but I know in my heart he is in a better place, as is Mel. Know in your heart he will be with you always and wants you to be happy. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rob and Kris Kraft says
Dear Maribel, Cris, Steve, and Family: Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Hoping that you will find peace in your many memories of Mel. Lots of love to each of you.
Bob Nordstrom says
The L’Anse High School class of 1957 is getting smaller. I’m am so sorry to hear of the passing of Melvin. My thoughts are with his family.
MARY Ann Suomela Hansen says
WE WERE SADDENED TO READ MELS' OBITUARY IN THE LOCAL PAPER. MY MEMORIES OF MEL AND HIS FAMILY GO BACK TO AURA MICHIGAN. MY BROTHER , PETER AND I WERE CHILDHOOD friends WITH MEL AND HIS SISTER, KAREN. I HAVE SO MANY WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF A TIME WHEN LIFE WAS JUST A CHOICE OF WHETHER WE MADE A RAFT TO SET SAIL OR MADE A BON FIRE TO ROAST MARSHMALLOWS ON THE SHORE OF LAKE SUPERIOR.. OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO YOU, MARABELL, AND FAMILY.
Peter & Jean Suomela says
Maribel & Family – You are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. We both have many memories of Mel – Peter growing up in Aura with Mel and I knowing him during high school years. He was a very special friend to both of us.