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Wade Mark Salo was born on November 18, 1989, in Wadena, Minnesota, to Dean & Janelle (Rehbein) Salo. He was baptized on December 10, 1989, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Park Rapids, Minnesota, and confirmed on May 17, 1998, at the Apostolic Lutheran Church, New York Mills, Minnesota. Wade was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in New York Mills.
Wade graduated from the New York Mills High School on May 30, 2008, and attended the University of Minnesota Crookston earning a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources on May 10, 2013. He worked his whole career for the Wadena Soil and Water Conservation District, which began on April 15, 2013.
Wade was a true steward of the land and passionate about keeping the soil, water, and forests to its natural health. He loved hunting and fishing with family and friends, whether in Homestead Township or Lake of the Woods, Vermillion, Devils Lake, Red Lake, and the Iron Range. Wade was always a planner. He planned hunting and fishing trips, and he also planned how every square foot and acre was to be used and rotated on the family homestead located on Minnesota Street. Wade was the go-to guy in the family, as many sought his advice about deer plots and gardening. Wade loved his career and was eager to share his knowledge with family and friends.
Wade was passionate about sports. He loved playing for the New York Mills Millers and was a loyal Twins fan. Wade faithfully supported his siblings, Kenna and Bren, as they competed in their athletic events. He enjoyed camping and spending time around a bonfire singing his favorite country songs, listening to the family history, and was known for his “one-liners” from songs and movies. Wade had a special gift that allowed him to connect with anyone. He was eager to discuss the weather, gardening, hunting, fishing, farming, and baseball.
Wade was humble and kind. Throughout his battle with cancer, he never complained, he held his head high using his SISU, and never let it define who he was. The conversation was never about him; Wade always made it feel like it was about you! Wade was an inspiration to all of us. His journey had many obstacles in which he was willing to fight through. Wade always had goals and plans right up to the end. He used his strong faith to keep going no matter what and accepted God’s plan.
It’s not about how long you have been around. It’s what you do while you are here.
Wade passed away on August 13, 2020, at Perham Living, Perham, Minnesota, at the age of 30. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Wade was preceded in death by his grandparents: James and Dorothy Rehbein; and Marlow Salo.
Wade is survived by his parents: Dean and Janelle Salo; siblings: Kenna Salo and Bren Salo. grandmother: Dorla Salo; goddaughter: Remi Hotakainen: uncles & aunts; Arlin Rehbein; Allen Rehbein; Pam (Rick) Hotakainen; Doug (Becky) Salo; Tammy Salo; Kari (Brian) Carlson; cousins: Jason (Sara) Hotakainen and family; Cody (Haley Christensen) Salo and family; Jared (Kayla) Hotakainen and family; Emily (Felix) Wrage; RaeAnna (Tanner) Wegscheid and family; Taylor (Aleashia) Carlson; and Torrey Carlson; many other relatives and a host of friends.
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