Matlan "Matt" Arvid Salmela, age 91, of Sturgeon Lake, MN passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 16, 2025.

Matlan was born on April 26, 1934 in Harvey, ND to Arvid and Vivian Salmela.  Matlan and his family moved to Sandstone, MN when he was young.  He attended Sandstone school until he was needed at home to help on the family farm.  Matlan served in the Army during the Korean War.  On July 7, 1956 he married his "Sweet Pea", Romelda Robinson.  They moved to the Sturgeon Lake area where they raised two sons and three daughters.  Matlan worked washing windows in some of the big office buildings in St. Paul and then drove semi until he became legally blind.  He loved spending time with his family, playing cards, woodworking, Canada fishing trips, and tinkering in his garage.

Matlan is preceded in death by his parents, Arvid and Vivian; wife Romelda; and brothers James, Donald, William and Montie.  He is survived by his sister Genevieve; his sons, Dennis (Natalie), Kenneth (Margaret); his daughters, Anita (Mark), Penny, Jodi (Mitch); eight grandchildren, Angie, Justin, Kim, Brandon, Morgan, Lindsey, Mathew, and Megan; and 11 great grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held at Methven Funeral Home in Sandstone, MN on Friday, July 11, 2025.  Visitation from 2-3pm with the funeral service beginning at 3pm.

Burial will take place at a later date with immediate family only.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association in honor of Matlan A. Salmela at alz.org.

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services of Sandstone, MN.