Julia (Vi) Viola Salmela

Julia Viola Isola Salmela, 94, of Menahga, MN died August 11th, 2016 at Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga. Vi was born at home in Spruce Grove Township on July 7th, 1922 to William and Maria Julianna (Balm) Isola. She was the 13th of 14 children. Vi graduated from Frazee High School, and on June 20th 1943 was married to August Benhart Salmela. They had 3 children while living in Minneapolis, Indiana and Grand Rapids, MN. After Ben died in 1959 she moved the family to Sebeka where she worked at the Sebeka School and Wadena County Extension Service. Vi was a member of the Menahga Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church and enjoyed puzzles, watching the Twins and Hockey, and following her grand and great grandchildren’s activities. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers; Levi, Edwin, Zachary, Ilmer, Bernard, and Walfred, sisters; Miriam, Mary Kyllonen, Sylvia, Hilda Haro, Amelia, and great-grandson Robert William Salmela. She is survived by her children; Julie (Leon) Tuominen, Linda (Dennis) Bradley, Bruce (Karen) Salmela, sister Nina Hepoloski, 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren , 1 great great-grandchild, nieces, nephews and a host of brothers and sisters in faith. Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM Monday, August 15th, 2016 at the Menahga Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church in Menahga, MN and one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, August 16th, 2016 at the Menahga Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church in Menahga, MN. Interment Services will be held at 1:00 PM at the Vermillion Lake Township Cemetery in St. Louis County, MN on Wednesday, August 17th, 2016.