MARTHA SALMELA

Martha Salmela, 91, of Duluth passed away Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012.

She was born May 4, 1921 in Bismarck, N.D., to Jacob and Hilma Banttari.

In 1932 Martha’s family moved to Hibbing. Martha joined the Women’s Army Corp in 1942 and was stationed in Fort Worth, Texas as a recruiter. She attained the rank of sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1945 and returned to Hibbing. She was united in marriage to Arnold Salmela in 1946. They made their home in Duluth and raised five children.

Martha volunteered at various community activities, including serving as an election judge for 25 years, a volunteer driver for St. Louis County and for the medical school at UMD.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arnold in 2000; eight brothers; and one sister.

She is survived by her children, Larry (Vicky) of Effie, Lois (James) Hendrickson of Milaca, Warren (Gayle) of Duluth, Jack (JoAnn) of Duluth and Mary (Gary) Eickelberg of New Hope; nine grandchildren, Amy Salmela, Becky (Nathan) Haase, Scott Hendrickson, Sara Hendrickson, Jim Salmela, Janelle Salmela, Mark Salmela, Annelise Salmela and Thomas Eickelberg; brother, Wayne (Joyce) Banttari of Aurora; sisters, Linda (William) Eberhardt of Holbrook, New York, Ina (Thomas) Backman of Two Harbors, Sigrid LeTourneau of Hibbing and Sylvia Johnson of Mt. Iron.

The family would like to thank Dr. Barbara Hemenway and her staff, the caring staff at Pines III Assisted Living, and Viewcrest Health Center.

VISITATION: 5-7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 9, 2012 in the Atkins Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th St. in Cloquet. Visitation will continue from 10 until the 11 a.m. funeral service, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012 also in the funeral home. Lunch will be served in the Fireside Room. Burial will be at Cedar Valley Cemetery in Cedar Valley Township. To sign the guest book and offer an online tribute, see www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com

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