Donald Arvid Salo

Don was born March 15, 1936, in Hurley, Wisconsin to Arvid and Alice (Kaiku) Salo. He attended seven different schools across the United States as his father traveled following work. In his youth, Don sold newspapers on the corner of US1 in Lomita, California, worked at a soda fountain, a gas station and sold sporting goods at a Sears store. He graduated from Keego Harbor near Pontiac in 1954 and in 1955 he started for Michigan Bell Telephone Company. He transferred from Pontiac to Marquette in 1959 and was a Construction Manager when he retired from AT&T in 1988. He then began building houses (about two dozen) in the Harvey area. His work ethic wouldn’t allow him to retire and put his feet up and relax!

In 1962, he married a Marquette girl, Sandra Mukkala. They raised two sons. Their home was on THE LAKE. Don was an avid fisherman, spending every free hour on Lake Superior in his boat “The Lucky Strike.”ù In later years, Don and Sandy spent winters at Pine Island, Florida. Don brought the boat with him so he could be on the water.

He left behind his wife of 61 years, Sandra, and two sons, Don Salo (Karla), and Mike Salo (Jamie) and his grandsons, Sam Salo (Rachel) and Ryan Salo. He was also survived by two nephews, Mark Salo (Elsa) and Ben Mukkala (Diane) and three nieces, LeAnne Beardon (Glenn), Lori Elmore (Mark), and Shelby Wallace.

He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Marlin Salo; and brother-in-law, Ben Mukkala, Sr.

Don was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. The family will gather privately to remember him.

He considered himself thoroughly blessed and always said of his life: “It was a good run.”

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.