Ray Sallstrom

Obituary

Ray Sallstrom, age 95, of Winthrop, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2024. Ray was born on April 21, 1929, in Bismarck Township, the youngest son of Ruth and Axel Sallstrom. Ray was baptized as an infant at First Lutheran Church in Winthrop and confirmed in his faith on May 9, 1943. He attended country school and graduated from Winthrop High School in the Class of 1947.

On August 28, 1949, Ray was united in marriage to Margaret Ann Monson at Bernadotte Lutheran Church, with Reverend O.J. Erickson officiating. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Dan, Leann, and Jane. Ray and Margaret shared 73 years of marriage until Margaret’s passing on December 31, 2022.

Ray and Margaret made their home on the original Sallstrom farmstead in rural Winthrop, where Ray pursued his passion as a dedicated dairy farmer for many years. He took great pride in his work, never once complaining about milking or the daily chores. Over the years, Ray received numerous awards for his Holstein cattle, served faithfully on the church council, and was actively involved in 4-H, sharing his love for farming with the next generation.

Ray enjoyed many summers fishing at Lake Washington and volunteering as camp "grandparents" at Green Lake Bible Camp. He and Margaret also loved clowning with the Hutch Clown Club and proudly driving his Model A and Model T cars in parades. A hardworking family man with a warm smile, Ray was often heard saying, “everybody works on the farm.” His love for music and singing was ever-present, and he cherished every moment spent with his family. Over the years, Ray enjoyed giving his grandchildren rides in his classic cars and cruising around with his great-grandchildren in his golf cart.

Ray is survived by his:
Son,                 Dan (Kathy) of Mankato;
Daughters,       Leann Sallstrom of Anoka, and
Jane Grams (Bill) of rural Winthrop;
Grandchildren, Jill Sallstrom, Julie Sabin (Chad), Jenna Sallstrom, Jay Sallstrom (Clare), Melanie Adema, Joey Isaacson, Ashley Isaacson, Angela Mielke (Darin), Missy Jasinski (Michael), and Katie Hanson (Marc);
Great-grandchildren, Dylan Nichols, Braiden Henry, Gunnar and Gavin Sabin, Desi, Arianna and Avery Aguillon, Carter and Quinn Sallstrom, Kayla Snowball (Boston), Jon Adema, Chase and Annika Mielke, Luxie and Kjerssa Jasinski, and Kaitlyn, Maive, and Knox Hanson;
Great-great-grandchild, Bennett Nichols;
Brother-in-law, Jack Morris (Barb);
Sister-in-law, Carol Monson;
Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Ray was preceded in death by his Wife, Margaret Ann Sallstrom; Parents, Ruth and Axel Sallstrom; Parents-in-law, Sigrid and Nemerd Monson;  Sister, Edith (Merton) Johnson; Brothers and Sisters-in-law, John and Delpha Sallstrom, Bob and Barb Sallstrom; Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law, Karen Morris, Elizabeth (Lou) and Bob Lind, Dale Monson; infant Great-Grandson, Ranger Hanson.