Lawrence Salmela

Lawrence S. “Larry” Salmela, age 88, of Nevis, MN, formerly of the Menahga/Wolf Lake, MN areas passed away on Thursday, November 19, 2015 at CHI St. Joseph’s Hospital in Park Rapids with his loved ones at his side. Larry was born August 3, 1927 to Clifford and Saima Salmela on his parent’s farm near Menahga, MN. It was in this area that he attended country school. As a young man, he entered the U.S. Army where he proudly served his country as an infantryman. He was stationed in Berlin, Germany where he served for six years and met his first wife, Wally. After receiving his honorable discharge, Larry settled in California where he worked building roads as a heavy equipment operating engineer. After retiring from a lifelong career in road construction Larry spent a great deal of time traveling, visiting every state in the Union, Switzerland, Finland, Germany and other destinations. Larry was preceded in death by his wife on April 4, 2003. After a chance meeting at the Cajun Fest in Walker, Larry was united in marriage to Joyce Eisen on March 25, 2009 in Arizona. For six years Larry and Joyce wintered in Arizona. They loved traveling together in their motor home and spending time with family. He and Joyce loved music and enjoying dancing the night away for many years. Each day Larry worked out on his exercise bicycle and did military workouts. Larry was an avid conservative who enjoyed keeping up on current events and discussing political issues with family and friends. Each day he faithfully followed Fox news. He will be remembered for his quick mind, his attractive appearance, his sharp dressing and his chiseled good looks. He will be lovingly remembered by his precious wife, Joyce; his children: Belinda Anderson of Apache Junction, AZ, Brenda Crane of Dilworth, MN, Rick (Kelly) Steinle of Osage, MN, Laurie (Duane) Jokela of Sartell, MN; one sister, Shirley Harvala of Menahga; three brothers: Loyel (Donna) Salmela of Menahga, Donnie (Diane) Salmela of Mpls, MN, Leroy (Monica) Salmela of Florida; as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife and one sister, Hazel. Memorial service will be held 2 PM Saturday, November 21, 2015 at Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids. Urn bearers will be Maxx Jokela, Matthew Jokela, Michael Jokela and Melissa Jokela. Interment will be made at Red Eye Township Cemetery near Sebeka. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com