Gerald Salo

Gerald “Jerry” William Salo was born to the late Alfred and Alma (Maunumaki) Salo on September 27, 1938 in Wadena, Minnesota. He grew up and attended country school in rural New York Mills. Jerry worked in the mines in Gilbert, Minnesota from 1956 to 1961.

Jerry was united in marriage to Joan Mayme Marie Perala on February 27, 1960 at Apostolic Lutheran Church in New York Mills. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Steven, Timothy, Gary and Susan. Jerry worked construction before starting to farm in 1963 in rural New York Mills. In 1987, he semi-retired from farming and went to work at Lund Boats until his retirement in 2002.

Jerry gained the nicknames “Woodtick” and “Big Daddy” by his family and friends.

He was so proud of his family, loving them so much, in return they were blessed to have the best husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Jerry loved spending time with his family, teasing the grandkids and great grandkids; hunting, fishing, gardening, putzing around the farm and enjoying coffee with neighbors and friends. He will be remembered for his hard work ethic, and gentle and kind spirit.

Jerry entered eternal rest on January 1, 2020, at his home, surrounded by his loving family, special pal Little Bear and the gentle care of Knute Nelson Hospice. He will dearly be missed by all his family and friends. Preceding Jerry in death are his parents: Alfred and Alma; father and mother-in-law: Ray and Edna Perala; brother: Tommy (Donna) Salo; 2 foster brothers: Elmer and Milton Makinen; brothers-in-law: Donald (Ruthie) Perala; Delano Perala; and Duane (LaVonne Schafer) Perala; great granddaughter, Vayda; special friends, Gary Newborg and Ginny Jacobson.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife: Joani Salo of New York Mills; children: Steve “Squiggy” (Robin) Salo of New York Mills; Tim (Shelly) Salo of Byron, Illinois; Gary “Grassy” (Kathy) Salo of New York Mills; Suzi (Greg) Karvonen of New York Mills; 7 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; brothers: Warren (Mary Jane) Salo of Makinen; and Marlo (Dorla) Salo of New York Mills; sister: Margie (Dave) Anderson of Minneapolis; sister-in-law: Donna Perala of New York Mills; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerald Salo, please visit our floral store.