Bernice Salmela

Bernice Salmela, age 100 of Hastings, died peacefully on Saturday, October 15, 2016, at her home following a recent illness. Bernice Marie, the daughter of Albert and Genevive (Carlson) Wicklund, was born on November 5, 1915, in Littlefork, Minnesota. Following her graduation from St. Cloud Tech High School in 1933, Bernice began working at the dime store in St. Cloud where she met and fell in love with her future husband, Ernest Salmela. They later eloped to Reno, Nevada and were married on July 22, 1942. While Ernest served in the Army Air Corps, she lived in California and later returned to St. Cloud. In 1962, they bought the Coast to Coast Hardware Store in Hastings and eventually expanded to Cottage Grove. Bernice truly loved working at the store and visiting with customers. She was a longtime member of Our Saviours Ev. Lutheran Church where she participated in circle. In her later years, Bernice enjoyed being a colorist. She also enjoyed playing solitaire, reading, and discussing current events. Most of all, she loved to remain close with her many extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Gary; husband Ernest; and by her siblings, Evelyn Watkins, Cleo Anderson and Arnie Wicklund. Bernice is survived by her children, Cheryl (Bill) Kautt of St. Peter and Tim Salmela of Cottage Grove; her daughter-in-law, Sandy Salmela of Cottage Grove; her seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; her siblings, Dolly Swenson, Audrey (Ed) Zins, and Jim (Linda) Wicklund; sister in law Millie Wicklund and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, October 20, 2016, at Our Saviours Ev. Lutheran Church, Hastings, with Reverend Lloyd Menke officiating. Interment will be held at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis. Visitation will be held at church for one hour prior to the service on Thursday morning. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Arrangements are being completed by Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services in Hastings.