Loyel Clifford Salmela

LOYEL CLIFFORD SALMELA August 13, 1935 – June 17, 2019                   Loyel Clifford Salmela, age 83, a lifelong Menahga, MN area resident, peacefully entered eternity on Monday, June 17, 2019 surrounded by his loved ones while at the Ecumen Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes, MN.                 Loyel was born on August 13, 1935 to Clifford and Saima (Simi) Salmela on his parent’s farm northwest of Menahga.  He attended the District #55 Country School near his home and went on to attend public school in Menahga from where he graduated from high school with the Class of  1954.  After high school, Loyel worked with his father on the farm and also logged timber in the area forests.  On May 12, 1958, Loyel entered the United States Army where he proudly served his country in Korea during the Korean War.  He received his honorable discharge on April 27, 1961.  He returned to Minnesota where he began a career working as a millwright on mining equipment for the Inland Steel Mining Company of Virginia, MN.  He was united in marriage to Lorraine May Schindeldecker of Menahga on July 27, 1963.  They were blessed with two children:  Shannon Loyel and Heather Jo.  The young family made their home in Gilbert, MN for many years.  Tragically Lorraine preceded Loyel in death in 1985 at the young age of just 43, leaving Loyel to raise his 12-year-old daughter by himself.  In 1987, Loyel met Donna Mae Fultz of International Falls and they began a close companionship which lasted for over 32 years.  Loyel retired from Inland Steel in 1987 and with Donna and his daughter, Heather moved back to the home farm near Menahga.  Loyel loved the outdoors.  He was a master hunter, fisherman and fur trapper.  He also loved doing woodworking and built countless items of furniture he used for his family, sold or gave as gifts.  He enjoyed following his favorite professional sports teams on TV.  Each spring he enjoyed planting a large vegetable garden he would nurture into fruitful abundance which he preserved to share with his family and friends.  Over the years, he and Donna enjoyed traveling and escaped the harsh winters to spend time in Florida or the southwestern United States.   Above all Loyel devoted his life to soulmate, Donna and his family who he loved with all his heart.                           He will be lovingly remembered by his close friend and life companion, Donna M. Fults of Menahga; his daughter, Heather Apps of Sauk Rapids, MN, two grandchildren: T.J. Apps and Sierra Apps both of Sauk Rapids; his brother, Donald (Dianne) Salmela of Plymouth, MN; his sister, Shirley Harvala of Menahga, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.                 He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine; his son, Shannon; his parents; two brothers: Larry and Leroy and his sister, Hazel.                 Services will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the First English Lutheran Church in Menahga with Rev. James Hallaway officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the Star Of The North Marine Corps League.  Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.  Following the service, a luncheon will be hosted by the First English Lutheran Church of Menahga.    To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.cardinipearson.com