Helen J. Salo

Chassell

Helen (Dennis) Salo, 84, a resident of Chassell and the Bluff’s Senior Living Community in Houghton, passed away Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Canal View – Houghton County following a lengthy illness.

Helen was born on October 7, 1941, in Alston, MI, the 5th of 7 children to the late Wilbert and Helen (Oger) Maki. She was raised in Alston, MI, and was confirmed at the Lutheran Church in Nisula, MI. She attended the Laird School in Alston through the 10th grade, and then bused to Baraga High School for 11th and 12th grade, graduating with the class of 1959.

Helen worked at various jobs, one being a counselor for Substance Abuse and for Abused Women, which were the most rewarding jobs for her.

On August 22, 1997, she was united in marriage to Dennis Salo. They enjoyed their new retired life in 2001, and became full-time RVers for 8 years, becoming Texas residents in 2013. Life for her was a new experience, never traveling before. She enjoyed the music in the Rio Grande Valley, and also her newfound friends.

Preceding her in death were her infant son Mark, her parents, her brothers Gary Maki, Bob (Fran) Maki and her sisters Arlene Pavlick and Yvonne Wendel.

Surviving are: Her husband: Dennis Salo; Her children: Sandy (Wade) Johnson, Donna (Mark) Lipske, Jennifer (Chris) Pindral, Gary (Coleen) Almli and Keith Almli; 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; Her siblings: Daryl (Susan) Maki and Susan (Marty) Bury; Several nieces, nephews and cousins

A celebration of life for Helen will be held at a later time.

To view Helen’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Chassell Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.