Viola Mae “Vi” Thompson was born on October 27, 1935, to Waino and Ino Henna (Oja) Thompson in Duluth, Minnesota. She attended Embarrass High School, graduating with the class of 1953.

On November 4, 1953, Vi was united in marriage to Donald “Don” Salo in Virginia, Minnesota. They lived in Missouri for ten months. They then returned to Vermilion Township where they were blessed with and raised seven children. Vi was a homemaker, stay at home mom. In 1986 she moved to New York Mills with Don being a caring pastor's wife for 62 years.

Vi enjoyed crocheting blankets and sweaters for family and friends. She liked canning, cooking, doing crossword puzzles, and reading. She loved going fishing with Don while listening to the Minnesota Twins baseball games.

Preceding Vi in death were her parents, Waino and Ino (Oja) Thompson; siblings: Jean Sregzinski; and Kay Hochstetler; stepsiblings: Ruth Inman; Ronald Hill; Raymond Hill; daughter: Naomi Jean Thomas; son-in-law: Thomas Tumberg; grandson: Nicholas Salo; and step-grandsons: Kenny and Tim Klein.

Vi is survived by her husband of 71 years, Donald Salo of Perham; children: Mary Lou (Ardell "Mort") Mortenson of International Falls; Daniel (Wendy) Salo of Watkins; Julie Tumberg of New York Mills; Timothy (Gerry) Salo of Ramsey; Joseph (Karen) of Alexandria; and Benjamin Salo of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; 18 grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, other relatives and a host of friends.

To view the livestream of Vi's funeral service please visit: https://www.nymalc.org/watch-live