Clarence Salmela of Silver Lake, Passed away at home on May 30, 2016.
an evening of visitation will be 4-8 PM Monday June 6, 2016 at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Cokato
Prayer Service at 7:00 PM
Interment will be at FT. Snelling National Cemetery on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at 1:00 PM
Clarence “Kelly” Donald Salmela was born in Cokato, Minnesota on May 28, 1949, to Richard and Fannie (Wanha) Salmela. He grew up in Cokato and was Baptized and Confirmed at the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church North of town. In 1967 he graduated from Cokato High School.
On March 27, 1969 Clarence joined the US Army. After Basic training at Ft. Bragg, NC he served with the 1st Air Cavalry Division, 8th Cavalry, and served for 14 months in Vietnam as a combat medic. He received the Bronze Star with “V” for heroism, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Army commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Battle Stars, Vietnam Campaign medal, Presidential unit Citation, meritorious Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Combat medic Badge, 1st Cavalry Division Airmobile Vietnam combat Certificate, Certificate of appreciation from President Nixon, Certificate of appreciation from General Westmoreland.
After service Clarence came back to Cokato where he tended bar at the Troll Inn until becoming the Maintenance Supervisor at HTI in Hutchinson. He married Marilyn Rozeske, to this union 2 children; Melissa and Chad were born. The family lived in rural Silver Lake. Clarence retired in the late 90’s. Clarence enjoyed fishing, watching western movies, tractor pulls and taking drives.
Clarence passed away at home in Silver Lake on May 30, 2016, he had reached the age of 67 years and 2 days.
Survivors include: special friend Gloriann Bastin of Silver Lake, Daughter Melissa (Joseph) Barsness of Lakeville, MN, Son: Chad (Sarah) Salmela of St. Cloud their son Peyton and one on the way Sophia. Sisters; Margaret “Muggs” (Leonard) Kieser of Winsted, Verna Quale of Buffalo, and brother Clifford (Bertha) Salmela of Reno, Nevada. Nieces and nephews other relatives and many friends.
Clarence was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Fannie, Brother Jim, Grandson Caleb, Brother-in-law Dennis Quale, Sister-in-law Darlene and Niece Penny.