Our loved and precious family member, Verdie Otto Salminen born October 6, 1940 of North Branch, MN, died on September 25, 2007 at the University of MN Hospital and went to be with the Lord.

Verdie was born to Eva and Otto Salminen of Menahga, MN. He married Mary Jane Pohl in April 27, 1963, met and married in Duluth, MN. He and his family moved to Minneapolis in 1963 and then to Circle Pines, MN in 1967. Finally resided in 1975 to North Branch. He is preceded in death and will be reunited with his two first born children, Verdie Junior and Christopher Allen. He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years Mary Jane of North Branch, MN and their children: Wade Salminen of North Branch and his wife Aletha and their 4 children; Virgil Salminen of Minneapolis and his 6 children; and Chris' three children; Melissa (Salminen) Hallberg of Minneapolis and her husband Chris and their two children; his youngest daughter Cynthia Salminen of Minneapolis, as well as 7 great grandchildren; and finally his sister Marcella Grangruth of Menahga. His three dogs Jack, Daisy and especially Jill will miss him. All his family and friends will sadly miss him.

Verdie was an easy-going, calm outdoorsman who loved his family. He spent much of his earlier years engaging in horse shows with his daughters and fishing and hunting with his sons. He spent a lot of time up north in his home town Menahga. He spent the last twenty years focusing on indoor activities, such as: watching movies with his wife and family, reading non-fiction stories and books on spirituality, liked to cook and barbecue, had many family gatherings with his adult children and wife.

Verdie was a man of strong will. He overcame his many ailments and realized how precious life is and enjoyed every last minute of it. He held onto life in order to be present for his family. We are sad, we mourn, but we accept it was time for him to be with our heavenly father and those that have passed. There was a plan and purpose in his life. For those of us who had the eyes and heart to see the amazing transformations and miracles take place in his life are truly grateful to God for these opportunities. For those of you not present, just know that the Lord truly moved in his life and we were all so graciously touched.

Many family members were fortunate to say good-bye prior to his passing. His last wish was for his son and wife to take him on a fishing trip to East Lake in Big Fork, MN, which they did this summer of 2007. His wife was by his side during his illness of many years and stood by his side up throughout his death. What we saw in him was a brave man who had no fear of death. Memorial Service and Burial has already taken place by a private service.

Psalm 23: 3-4: "…he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

We will never forget this man, such an amazing husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, cousin and friend.

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