Lila Irene Savela

Lila Irene Savela followed the angels to heaven on May 10, 2016, at the age of 93 at the N. C. Little Hospice home in Edina, Minnesota. Lila Salo was born in Paddock Township of Ottertail County on June 6, 1922 to her parents, Nels and Hattie (Aho) Salo. She attended schools in the Sebeka area. As a young woman, Lila worked in Minneapolis. She was united in marriage to Melvin Savela on November 28, 1942. Melvin was in the United States Army from 1942 through 1946, and they lived in various parts of the United States. Upon Melvin’s honorable discharge, they made their home in Sebeka. There they worked, played, and relaxed as they raised their family of five children, all of whom graduated from Sebeka Public High School. Upon Melvin’s retirement, they traveled and wintered in Texas. Lila was a woman of quiet strength and a lifelong caregiver and nurturer. She always had a ready smile and a quick joke or good word for everyone. Many will miss her smile and the grandma life lessons she so regularly gave out. Lila always had a clean bed and a meal of comfort food for anyone who showed up at the door, even if unannounced. Lila is survived by her daughter Sharon (Ronald) Rust, son Gary (Kathy) Savela, daughter Jerrilyn (Gregory) Rewerts, daughter Jean (Kevin) Burgau, daughter Jodi (Christopher) Dupre, 13 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Lila was preceded in death by her parents, Nels and Hattie Salo, her husband, Melvin Savela, and her nine brothers and sisters, who all greeted her at the end of her earthly journey. Lila’s funeral will be held on Friday, May 27, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 401 2nd St. S.E., in Sebeka. Visitation is for one hour prior to the service (from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on May 27th).