Obituary: Karen Gladys Salo

As received from the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel:

Karen Gladys Salo, age 88, a lifelong resident of L’Anse passed away at her temporary residence at Canal View in Hancock Michigan on March 17, 2021. Karen was born on June 13, 1932 in L’Anse, Michigan daughter of Bert and Inga (Forslund) Anderson.

Karen will be remembered for her love of her family, warm sense of humor, and enjoyment of the life she shared with her husband of seventy years, Milton. Milton and Karen were married at the First Lutheran Church in L’Anse on August 12, 1950, and received presidential recognition from the White House this past summer honoring their milestone wedding anniversary.

Karen’s interests were many, she captured a life time of her favorite memories with her “brownie” her family’s name for her ever-present camera. Karen photographed the beauty of many trips to Alaska, and numerous road trips in the United States and Canada. She claimed to have put her toe in three oceans and the Gulf of Mexico enjoying North, West, East and South coastal waters. Her photographs revealed the beauty, joy, fun, and humor she found along the way.

Karen always had a keen way of remembering events, people, and their histories. Those she met she carried with her in her heart. The Lake, her name for the camp she helped to build on Huron Bay was a source of many happy memories, parties, campfires, and hot saunas. An avid reader, Karen was never far from a book, newspaper, or magazine, a gift she passed along to all of her children.

Karen often told stories of her Swedish heritage and how she shared such a special bond with her cousin Sharon. One story started with, “well, two brothers married two sisters and they each had a daughter”. Karen and Sharon were more like sisters than first cousins and enjoyed many adventures together.

Karen remained lifelong friends with her classmates from the L’Anse High School class of 1950, she was active in planning reunions and gatherings and was amazing at remaining in touch with friends in letters and cards, her correspondence was a delight to read. Her legacy will live on in her grandchildren, great grandchildren, those she knew and loved, and in all the people she touched as she moved through the seasons of her life.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Inga Anderson. Karen is survived by her husband Milton of L’Anse, children, Judy (Stan) Koplowitz of Flagstaff, AZ, Karen Lynn (Mark) Massicotte of Keweenaw Bay, MI, Alan (Kathleen) Salo of Sherwood, Wisconsin, Lori (Ron) Mitchell of Tempe, Arizona, grandchildren Rhea (Kevin) Freitag Turner, Sarah (Jason) Freitag Mittlestat, Robert Stenfors, Sarah Salo, Lisa Salo, Jeff (Kate) Myers, great grandchildren Hazel Myers and Arlo Mittlestat, dear cousin Sharon Anderson Maki, sister in laws, Ruth Clymer, Donna Archambeau, Faith Makela, nephews, nieces, cousins, and many special friends.

A graveside funeral service will take place in the spring at the Skanee Cemetery followed by a celebration of Karen’s life. The date and time will be announced later.

The family will be forever thankful for the wonderful care she received while residing at Canal View. We were honored by the number of care givers that stopped by to let us know how much they will miss Karen’s smile and what a privilege it was to provide care.

The family suggests memorials in Karen’s honor to be directed to a charity of their choice.

Karen’s obituary may also be viewed and condolences may be sent to the family at www.reidfuneralservicechapel.com

The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements