Obituary: Erik Roy Salmela

Erik Roy Salmela passed away at his home on January 11, 2019 at age 51. He was born November 25, 1967 in Calumet, MI and grew up in Milwaukee, WI. In 1997 he moved back to the Copper country where as a child had spent many summers with his grandparents in Centennial Heights. He lived in Hancock briefly and worked at the Hardees in Houghton before moving to Calumet in 1999. In 2008 he purchased the home in Laurium where he resided.

Erik was born one of God’s special children. He had a kind heart, a great sense of humor, and a genuine love for his community. He valued his many friendships and deemed himself the protector of the elderly. Erik had an amazing memory with an aptitude for numbers. He was affectionately nicknamed “the Rainman of birthdays” as he knew everyone’s birthday and their age. His high hacky sack score was 13,420, something he took much pride in. He was also a loyal Green Bay Packer fan… he could remember all scores, stats, and players from years ago, and was ALWAYS sporting the green and gold.

Erik was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Isabelle Salmela and Gerald and Mercedes LaBonte. He is survived by his father and stepmother, Roy and Diane Salmela of Glendale, WI, his mother, Jeannie LaBonte of Calumet; sister Brenda (Salmela) Malcolm of Calumet; and brothers Jason Kramer, Evan (Kate) Salmela, and John Salmela; uncles Al (Kathy) Salmela, Mike (Beth) Salmela and Joe LaBonte. He is also survived by nieces, nephews and many cousins.

We would like to thank the community for the patience, kindness, and assistance that’s been shown to Erik over the years. He will be sorely missed.

A celebration of Erik’s life will be held at the L&L Bar in Calumet from 1-3 on Saturday January 19th where friends may call. A private family memorial will be held in July.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.