Lillian Milja Evelyn Saarela Salo age 97, died peacefully on Thurs., Feb. 1, at Quiet Oaks Hospice House in St. Augusta with her daughter and son-in-law by her side.

 

Lillian was born to Edward and Selma Saarela on February 27, 1920 in Rockwood Township, Wadena County. She was united in marriage to Carl Salo on May 31, 1941 at the Sebeka Apostolic Lutheran Church. Carl and Lillian farmed in Rockwood Township from 1943-1973. Lillian worked at the Red Owl in Sebeka, MN, was a housewife, worked on the farm, and did daycare in their home. In 1974 Carl and Lillian moved from their farm in Rockwood Township to their lake home at Oak Point on Rush Lake near New York Mills. They spent their winters in Lake Worth, FL from 1973-2003. Lillian has lived her last eight years with her daughter and son-in-law in Becker. Lillian was a lifelong member of the Sebeka Apostolic Lutheran Church. Her hobbies included sewing, cooking, and reading.

 

Lillian is survived by her daughter Patricia and her husband Dale Seavert of Becker; sister Anne Buranen of Baxter; grandchildren and their families: Ryan and Jill Seavert and their children Austin and Eric of Becker; Staci and Mark Madetzke and their children Sydney and Makenna of Ankeny, IA; Kayla and Joe Simons and their children JP and Tommy of Chaska; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Carl, parents Edward and Selma Saarela, five sisters: Sadie Huotori, Elma Sarkela, Vi Meyers-Bymark, Fannie Kivisto, and Eileen Koyenen, four brothers William, Walter, Eino, and Arne.

 

Lillian chose to donate her body to the University of Minnesota Medical School Anatomy Bequest Program for medical education and research. Interment will be at a later date at the Sebeka West Cemetery. Memorial Services will be held on Mon., Feb. 19 at 10:30 a.m. with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Becker, with Pastor Julie A. K. Anderson officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Quiet Oaks Hospice House or the St. Cloud Hospital Hospice.