Obituary of Robert W. Salmela

Robert was born in Sebeka, MN on February 25, 1929 to William & Alma (Pajari) Salmela. He grew up in Sebeka, attended Sebeka High School and went on to earn his teaching degree in Duluth. In 1952 Bob enlisted in the Air Force in Ft. Walton Beach, FL and married his sweetheart, Nancy Adele Nylund. Bob and Nancy raised four children while Bob taught science and physical education in various cities including: Bessemer, MI; Brainerd, MN; and Duluth, MN. He was preceded in death by parents; brothers, Verdie, Raymond, Gordon & Gerald; sisters, Verna Norha, Gladys Krause, Margaret Nuutinen, Elaine Emblom and Esther Davis Arnold; great-grandson, Robert Leo Salmela (7). Bob is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Nancy Salmela; daughters, Karen (Bruce) Salmela, Janet (John) Janson, Sandra (John-Erich) Mantius; son, Ronald Salmela; 12 grandchildren, Elizabeth (Thor), Ben (Robin), Michael (Mandy), Evan (Shelly), Pamela, Laura (Timothy), Eric (Britinee), Andreas (Jenny), Anders (Galina), Annika, Maximilian and Alessandra; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Florence Heikkila; brothers, Marvin (Ardy) and Tom (Phyllis); sister-in-law, Jean; also by many friends and brothers and sisters in faith. Funeral Service: 12 pm, Monday, September 24, 2018 with visitation from 10 am -12 pm at Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church, 6273 Old Highway 2, Duluth. Interment will take place at Oneota Cemetery, Duluth.