Elmer Salo, 93

Elmer Salo; kind and caring husband, father and grandfather passed away March 16, 2022, with family by his side at age 93. He was born Sept. 18, 1928, in Mullan, Idaho, to Finnish immigrants Eliisi and Jacob Salo (he is preceded in death by his brother, Arnold).

He graduated from Mullan High School and attended the University of Idaho. Elmer was drafted into the Army and served in France during the Korean war. During those years, he traveled Europe and met family in Finland — a special time from which he loved sharing stories; about the people and soldiers he met along the way. In January 1954, he married his sweetheart Betsy Hoffman. They had five daughters: Leanne, Julie, Lisa and Carol. Elmer and Betsy were fortunate to count Nancy (Almquist) Jewett as their “fifth.”

Elmer spent his working years mining in the Silver Valley and in Leadville, Colo., before he retired as a shift boss at the Galena mine in Silverton after spending 38 years underground. He served on Asarco’s Mine Rescue Team assisting during the Sunshine Mine Disaster. Aside from his profession, mining was also a hobby for Elmer, as he worked claims around Shoshone County with many different friends. Many happy summers were spent with his family at Lake Coeur d’Alene on his boat.

Elmer loved his hometown of Mullan. He was a lifelong learner who valued education and believed in the Mullan Schools. Elmer genuinely enjoyed helping others and supporting organizations which benefited children. He was a longtime member of the Shriners, Masons and Elks Clubs.

His family was always the front and center of his focus. He attended the birth of every child and grandchild as he would not be late to meeting any of us.

It’s impossible to summarize in a few short sentences the life of this son of Finnish immigrants. He had a wry sense of humor that would sneak up on you. He managed his life with generosity and fairness and lived life to its fullest surrounded by his loving family. He never once complained; even while bedridden and ill. When asked by anyone how he was, “never better” was always his answer.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betsy; daughters Leanne (Larry Sutton) and grandson Nathaniel; Julie (Steve Latina), grandson Nick (Holly) and great-grandchildren Eric, Matthew and Kyleigh; granddaughter Caila (Jeff Harris) and great-grandchildren Rachel and Wade; Lisa (Lonnie Skantel) and grandsons Sam and Jacob “Jack;” and Carol. Along with Nancy, Tony and Michelle Jewett, we will all cherish his memory.

Memorials may be sent to the Mullan Museum or Shriner’s Children Hospital in Spokane.

A joint celebration of life for he and his daughter, Julie, will be held from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, July 9, 2022, at the Coeur d'Alene Shrine Club Event Center, 1250 W. Lancaster Road, Hayden, Idaho.

kiitos rakas isä kaikesta, pidä huolta suloisesta Juliesta.

Thank you dear Dad for everything, take care of our sweet Julie.