Funeral services were held for Kenneth Salo, age 83, of Brainerd, Minn., on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the Apostolic Lutheran Church in New York Mills, with Pastor Nicholas Kandoll officiating. The hymns were sung by the congregation and accompanied by Janet Tumberg. The pallbearers were Peter Alwin, Eric Salo, Darrell Bosell, Eric Bartels, Chad Bernstetter and Gary Beaver. Military Honors were provided by the Charles D. Center V.F.W. Post #3289 of New York Mills and the Minnesota Army National Guard, Moorhead, Minn. Kenneth was laid to rest in Woodland Cemetery, New York Mills.

  Kenneth (Kenny) Melvin Salo was born January 16, 1941 to John Edward and Mayme Esther (Lake) Salo in New York Mills. He attended school in New York Mills, graduating with the class of 1958. After high school, Kenny continued his education at St. Cloud Vocational School where he was enrolled in the mechanics program. He was employed with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, first in St. Paul Park, Minn., then moving to Golden Valley, Minn. Kenny was drafted into the United States Army and was honorably discharged on November 19, 1965.

On November 2, 1968 Kenny was united in marriage to Louise Frakie at the Apostolic Lutheran Church in Plymouth, Minn. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters: Rebecca Ann and Tamara Mae. In 1971 they moved to Brainerd, Minn. Kenny continued working for the Minnesota Department of Transportation and remained there until he retired in 2003.

Kenny enjoyed hunting, fishing, birdwatching, and gardening.  He shared his love for the outdoors and sports with his daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren.  He enjoyed watching the Twins, Vikings, and Timberwolves. If he wasn’t watching sports, he could always find a good show on the Western channel.  Above all, he loved spending time with his family.

On April 29, 2024, Kenny passed away peacefully at home in Brainerd, Minn., where he lived with his daughter Becky and his son-in-law, Steve. Kenny will be dearly missed by his family and friends. 

Kenny is preceded in death by his wife, Louise; parents John Edward and Mayme; brothers: Carl, Darwin, Donald and Howard; sisters: Carol Zaeske, Alice Harris, Doris Bosell, Ruth Meisenbach and JoAnn Salo; brothers-in-law Arnold Zaeske, Larry Harris, Don Beaver, Darrell Bosell and John Frakie; sister-in-law, Margaret Alwin; and nephews: Bruce Beaver and Darin Bosell.

Kenny is survived by his daughters: Rebecca (Steven) Bontjes of Brainerd, Minn.; Tamara (Mark) Larsen of Northfield, Minn.; grandchildren: Ashley Bontjes, Andrew Bontjes, Kennedy Larsen and Jacob Larsen; sister, Bernice Beaver of Verndale; brother, DeWane (Nancy) Salo of New York Mills; sisters-in-law: Jeanette Salo, Rose Salo and Kari Frakie; brother-in-law, Valgene Alwin; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and a host of friends.

  Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to send a message of comfort and support to Kenneth’s family.

Arrangements are provided by Karvonen Funeral Home in New York Mills.