Delores Salakka

Delores Salakka, 77, Knife River, devoted wife, mother, "Grannie" and friend died Wednesday, May 4 2011 at St. Luke's Hospital.

She was born on August 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 November 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 CNA at the 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 Scout 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; brothers, Delray and Roy Waldron; and 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.

Visitation will be from Noon until the 1 PM Memorial Service on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at Knife River Lutheran Church.