Ernest A. Salmela

Ernest Salmela, age 96of Hastings died July 3, 2013 at his home. Ernest was born January 19, 1917 in French Lake Township. He married Bernice Wicklund on July 22, 1942 in Reno, NV. From July 1942 until December 1945, Ernie served in the Army Air Corps, spending most of his time in China, Burma and India. Ernest was a long-time member of the Hastings VFW. From 1946 until retirement, he was self-employed, first with a milk delivery route in St. Cloud, MN and then as the proprietor of hardware stores in Hastings and Cottage Grove. Ernie was a long-time member of Our Saviour�s Ev. Lutheran Church. He was passionate about working in his yard and spent countless hours in the outdoors, appreciating nature. He was a champion trap shooter and avid gun collector. Family and friends will remember him as a gentleman and role model. Preceding him in death were two sisters and son, Gary Salmela. Survivors include his wife Bernice of Hastings; daughter Cheryl (Bill) Kautt of St. Peter; son Tim Salmela of Cottage Grove; daughter-in-law Sandy Salmela of Cottage Grove; also seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The Funeral Service, officiated by Rev. Lloyd Menke will be held 11 AM Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at Our Saviour�s Ev. Lutheran Church, 400 West Ninth St, Hastings. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment, with Military Honors provided by the Hastings VFW Lyle Russell Post #1210 will be held at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. The pallbearers are grandchildren Andrew Salmela, Carlin Salmela, Jay Kautt, Jon Kautt, Joe Kautt and son-in-law Bill Kautt. Memorials may be directed to Our Saviour�s Ev. Lutheran Church or the St. Croix Hospice Foundation.