Linda Salmela died Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006, at her South Haven home. She was 53. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, at Lake Union Evangelical Covenant Church in rural South Haven with Rev. Lloyd Melvie officiating. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Annandale, and one hour prior to services Thursday at the church. Prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Linda Elizabeth Salmela was born Jan. 2, 1953, in St. Cloud to George and Vivian (Dearing) Langanki. She grew up and lived her entire life in the Annandale and South Haven area. Linda married Caleb Salmela June 30, 1973, in Annandale. She worked in foodservice for many years, and last worked as deli manager at Marketplace in Annandale. She was a member of Lake Union Evangelical Covenant Church in South Haven. She enjoyed camping, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. Linda was preceded in death by her parents; infant son Caleb Jr.; brother Lester Langanki and sister Marianne Spicer. She is survived by her husband Caleb; children Lisa Salmela (and Joe Fischer) of Kimball, Kelly (and Kristen) Salmela of South Haven, Jesse (and Jaime) Salmela of Annandale; brothers and sisters Dale (and Judy) Langanki of Dairyland, Wisc., James (and Dorothy) Langanki of Brandon, Cathy (and Dan) Mahoney of St. Michael, Rosie (and Louie) Wakeman of St. Cloud, John (and Sue) Langanki of Long Lake, and Julie (and Joe) Frieler of Annandale; brother-in-law Bob Spicer of St. Cloud; sister-in-law Karen Langanki of Monticello; special friend Heidi Otten; and two grand puppies Oliver and Gus. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.
