Michael Charles Salem

Michael was born on May 29, 1961 in St. James, Minnesota to Joseph and Margaret (Wynn) Salem. They were thrilled to have a son after having had three daughters. Michael graduated from Butterfield-Odin High School in 1979. He then attended school at Willmar Vo-Tech for auto mechanics. Soon after graduation, Michael purchased and operated Salem Automotive in Butterfield from 1981-1996. Michael married Jackie Suess in 1986 at "The Little Brown Church" in Nashua, Iowa. They were married for seven years and remained friends for the remainder of Michael's life. In Michael's younger years, he enjoyed hunting, spending time with friends, riding cycle, and creating welding projects. Later in life, he enjoyed working with small electronics and shopping. Michael loved all animals and especially treasured the time he spent with his little dog, Dee-Dee. Michael called Dee-Dee his "little angel," since she appeared on his porch not long after his mother had passed away in 1992. Michael enjoyed being around little children, and Halloween was always a highlight for him. He always paid special attention to the treats that he would hand out, and always looked forward to that time of year. He also enjoyed watching boxing on TV and valued the time he was able to spend with his family, especially his three sisters and younger brother. His siblings will always remember his witty sense of humor. Although Michael struggled many years with depression and later in life medical issues resulting in chronic pain, he will always be remembered for being a very caring and loving brother and friend. Michael will be greatly missed. Michael Salem passed away on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Mayo Clinic Health System-St. James; he was 54. Michael is survived by his siblings Rita (Todd) Koenecke of Pierre, SD; Barbara Salem of Butterfield, MN; Doris (Paul) Kratochvil of Pueblo, CO; Wayne (Jes) Salem of North Mankato, MN; nephew Samuel Koenecke of Pierre, SD and niece Carson Kennedy of North Mankato, MN. He was also looking forward to the upcoming birth of Wayne and Jes' baby girl. Michael was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Margaret Salem; grandparents Michael and Emma Salem and Hubert and Jennie Wynn; and also many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Visitation 1 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Tuesday, January 12, 2016 Community Bible Church-Butterfield 100 Chapman St. Butterfield, Minnesota, United States 56120 Visitation 2 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Wednesday, January 13, 2016 Community Bible Church-Butterfield 100 Chapman St. Butterfield, Minnesota, United States 56120 Service Information 2:00 pm Wednesday, January 13, 2016 Community Bible Church-Butterfield 100 Chapman St. Butterfield, Minnesota, United States 56120 Interment Information Butterfield City Cemetery Address not given Butterfield, Minnesota, United States 56120