Lavern Rufus Salo

LaVern Rufus Salo, of Menahga, Minnesota died on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at Rose Haven Alternative Living Facility in Menahga, at the age of 90 years and 11 days. LaVern was born to Richard and Olga (Marjamaa) Salo on October 14, 1924 in Otter Tail County, MN where he was raised and completed eighth grade. He was inducted into United States Army on December 20, 1944 and served his country while stationed in the Philippines during WWII. LaVern was honorably discharged on December 2, 1946 he returned to the Sebeka area and worked for Lillquist Garage for several years. In 1951 was united in marriage to Joan Schwartz. They resided in Minneapolis, MN and Circle Pines, MN where LaVern was employed by the Duffy Paper Company. LaVern and Joan retired to the Menahga area in 1986 where LaVern enjoyed many happy years fishing and hunting. LaVern was a member of the Berg Nylund American Legion Post 456 Sebeka, MN and Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Sebeka. LaVern is survived by his wife Joan of Menahga; daughters, Kathy (Salvador) da Silva of Newell, IA; Brenda Johnston of Phoenix, AZ; Sue Salo and Tim Cleckner of Scottsdale AZ; grandchildren, Alex da Silva and Heather Johnston; and brother, Melvin Salo of Circle Pines, MN. He is preceded in death by his parents Richard Salo and Olga (Marjamaa) Sarvi; sisters, Barbara Levander and Virgie Salo and son-in-law, Bruce Johnston. Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM on Thursday, October 30, 2014 at Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka, MN. Funeral Services will be held on 11:00 AM Friday, October 31, 2014 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Sebeka with Pastor Rachel Stout officiating. Marge Kinnunen will serve as organist. Mark Fulfs will Solo “Candle in the Wind.” Berg Nylund American Legion Post 456 Sebeka, MN will provide Military Honors. Interment will immediately follow the service at Green Hill Cemetery in rural Sebeka.