Viola “Vi” Salo, age 89, of Perham  (formerly of New York Mills) passed away on December 8, 2024, at her home. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Apostolic Lutheran Church in New York Mills with Pastor Nicholas Kandoll officiating. Congregational Hymns were accompanied by Louise Amberg-Jokela. Pallbearers were Jacob Salo, Joshua Salo, Nathan Salo Tumberg, Ricky Tumberg, Aaron Salo, Zachary Salo,  Cody Seppala,  and Joe Seppala. Vi was laid to rest at Woodland Cemetery, New York Mills.

Viola Mae “Vi” Thompson was born on October 27, 1935, to Waino and Ino Henna (Oja) Thompson in Duluth, Minn. She attended Embarrass High School, graduating with the class of 1953.

On November 4, 1953, Vi was united in marriage to Donald “Don” Salo in Virginia, Minn. They lived in Missouri for ten months. They then returned to Vermilion Township where they were blessed with and raised seven children. Vi was a homemaker, stay at home mom. In 1986 she moved to New York Mills with Don being a caring pastor’s wife for 62 years.

Vi enjoyed crocheting blankets and sweaters for family and friends. She liked canning, cooking, doing crossword puzzles, and reading. She loved going fishing with Don while listening to the Minnesota Twins baseball games.

Preceding Vi in death were her parents, Waino and Ino (Oja) Thompson; siblings: Jean Sregzinski; and Kay Hochstetler; stepsiblings: Ruth Inman; Ronald Hill; Raymond Hill; daughter: Naomi Jean Thomas; son-in-law: Thomas Tumberg; grandson: Nicholas Salo; and step-grandsons: Kenny and Tim Klein.

Vi is survived by her husband of 71 years, Donald Salo of Perham; children: Mary Lou (Ardell “Mort”) Mortenson of International Falls, Minn.; Daniel (Wendy) Salo of Watkins; Julie Tumberg of New York Mills; Timothy (Gerry) Salo of Ramsey, Minn.; Joseph (Karen) of Alexandria, Minn.; and Benjamin Salo of Ft. Lauderdale, Fa.; 18 grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, other relatives and a host of friends.

Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Vi’s Tribute Wall.

Arrangements provided by Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of New York Mills.