Tri-County News

Donald Salmela, 63


Donald Salmela died Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019. He was 63.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 2, at Lake Union Covenant Church, 74526 CSAH 19, South Haven. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. 

Donald D. Salmela was born Nov. 10, 1955, to Everett and Lillian Salmela, and raised in South Haven. He attended Annandale High School. Donny worked as a laborer, dump truck driver, worked demolition and installation of windows and other jobs throughout his life. He was a valued resident when he was living at The Dream Center in St. Cloud. He could always be counted on as the maintenance man and the cook at the center. Donny also enjoyed grilling, fishing, gardening, and attending races.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everret and Lillian Salmela; brother Howard Salmela, half-brother Richard Paulson; sisters-in-law, Linda Salmela and Shirley Paulson; brother-in-law Alfred Habisch.

He is survived by his children Dallas (and Abigail) Salmela, Gary (and Bridget Fenton) Salmela, step-daughter Jakeyell (and Robert Preston) Schindele; grandchildren, Kaylee Hesse, Logan and Landon Salmela, Levi Salmela and one more on-the-way; brothers Caleb Salmela, Robert (and Kris) Salmela, Roger (and Susie) Salmela; half-siblings, Kenneth Paulson, Shirley Habisch, Jeannette (and Don) Shipp, Donna Paulson, Wayne (and Nyla) Paulson, June (and Ted) Johnson, and Terry (and Paul) Flatt.

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