Evelyn Salaba

Evelyn Emma Salaba, age 94, of Lonsdale, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 15, 2019 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 10:00 am at Immaculate Conception Church in Lonsdale with Father Michael Miller officiating. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Lonsdale following the service.

Evelyn was born at home on May 8, 1925 in Wheatland Township to George and Emma (Shambour) Kasparek. Evelyn attended country school in Wheatland Township. She was united in marriage to Joseph M. Salaba on November 19, 1945 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague. Evelyn and Joe made their home and raised their four children on a 120-acre farm in rural Faribault. They farmed for many years growing crops and milking cows. Evelyn worked tirelessly alongside Joe, often praying her rosary while milking cows. As Joe’s health deteriorated, she carried the burden of farming responsibilities and Joe’s care until his death in 1978. She remained on the farm until 2018 when she moved to assisted living at The Villages of Lonsdale. As her care needs increased, she deeply loved everyone who cared for her and they felt her love.

Evelyn loved the farm, tended a large garden, canned, and picked raspberries. She loved to cook and always fed everyone who came to her home. Her faith, family and farm life were always her top priorities. When you talked with her, your conversation was the most important in the world. She had an easy and infectious laugh, and loved a good joke.

Evelyn is survived by her children, Ronald Salaba and Marna, his special friend, of Faribault, Arlene (Ken) Tuma of Northfield, Lavonne (Tony) Ernste of Waterville, Joanne (Brian) Walker of Eden Prairie; 13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren (plus one in March); 2 great-great grandchildren (plus one in May); step-brother Fritz (Marilyn) Sticha of Faribault; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; infant grandson, Ronald Salaba Jr.; stepmother, Mary Kasparek; and special friend, Ray Eisen.