Dolly Salakka

Delores Marlene Salakka, 77, of Knife River — devoted wife, mother, “Grannie” and friend — died Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at St. Luke’s hospital in Duluth.

She was born Aug. 17, 1933, to George and Marie (Melbo) Waldron in Duluth. She attended schools in Two Harbors and Sunday School at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.  

She married George Salakka Nov. 25, 1949, and they celebrated 60 years of marriage.

Delores waitressed at various restaurants, worked at bakeries, did home care for people, was a housekeeper at Lake View Memorial Hospital, and most recently was a nursing assistant at Lake View Cottages.

Delores enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, and taking care of her grandchildren. She was a member of Knife River Lutheran Church, Women of the ELCA, the Friendship Club, the Women of the Moose, and Sons of Norway. In her earlier years she served on the PTA and as a Brownie and Girl Scouts leader.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her step-mother, Jessie; her husband, George; a granddaughter, Aime Leigh Jackson; a great-granddaughter, Caydence Ann Carl;  brothers, Ralph and Darrell; and sisters, Marian, Betty, and Rose.

Delores is survived by her children, Mike, Laurie (David) Jackson, Teresa Salakka, Marjie Van Cleave, and JoLynn  Bailey; son-in-law, Mike Van Cleave; grandchildren, Marissa and Miranda Jackson, Tim, Andrew, and Krystin Van Cleave, Callyn, Alex, and Ava Bailey; great-grandson, McKinley Carl; and brothers, Delray and Roy Waldron; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mom loved the beach and had an unconditional love for people, love for children, and compassion for the elderly.

A visitation begins at noon Saturday before a 1 p.m. memorial service at Knife River Lutheran Church.

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