Dennis Lee Salmela, 69, of Sturgeon Lake, made his last cast while he was surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at his home where he received amazing care from his family, along with St. Croix Hospice. He was born on February 18, 1957 in Sandstone, MN to Matlan and Romelda “Toni” Salmela. Dennis graduated from Willow River High School in 1975 and then went on to attend technical college in Cambridge, MN. On May 15, 1976, Dennis married Natalie Brix in St. Paul, MN. Dennis worked as a machinist for various companies throughout his career and was a Volunteer Firefighter for the Moose Lake Fire Department for many years. He was an avid fisherman, and his favorite place was on the water in his boat. Dennis spent any free time he had fishing local lakes, Lake of the Woods, and yearly trips to Lac Seul in Ontario, Canada which was a tradition that expanded to several generations. He was also involved in the Fishing for Knowledge program for many years in the area schools and helped children learn and experience the joy of fishing. Dennis also enjoyed his Harley Davidson motorcycle and enjoyed taking rides with family and friends. His greatest love was spending time with his family and his 4 grandchildren were the highlight of his life.

He was preceded in death his parents: Matt and Toni Salmela.

Dennis will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years: Natalie; daughter: Angie (Chris) Welch; son: Justin (Dana) Salmela; brother: Ken (Margaret) Salmela; sisters: Anita (Mark) Mueller; Penny Shelton; and Jodi (Mitch) Morehouse; grandchildren: Drew & Conner Welch, Jace & Jewel Salmela; nieces and nephews: Kim, Brandon,Mathew, Megan, Morgan & Lindsey; his special friend: Finny the cat; and numerous friends and fishing buddies.

His family would like to thank the incredible team of doctors, oncologists, surgeons, nurses and transplant team at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester and Essentia Health in Moose Lake and Duluth.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 1-3 pm at 8963 Market Street, Sturgeon Lake, MN. Family and friends are invited to bring a favorite fishing story to share and reminisce about a great life lived. A private burial will be in Sunset Memorial Cemetery, Moose Lake at a later date. You can honor Dennis’s life in the years to come by wetting a line and introducing a child to the lifelong passion of fishing.

Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.