Gordon Salem

Gordon Richard "Bud" Salem, 86, a longtime Crookston, MN businessman, died Sunday morning, March 1, 2015, at RiverView Health in Crookston, with members of his loving family at his side. Bud was born in Crookston on July 15, 1928, the son of Lebanese immigrants, Barber and Emma (Joseph) Salem. He was baptized and confirmed at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and attended Cathedral Schools. Bud played football and hockey for Cathedral High School and graduated in 1946. He was employed by the Minnesota Highway Department in Crookston before entering the US Army on November 10, 1950. Bud served with the 5th Army, 17th Engineering Battalion, and was stationed in Germany as part of the Army of Occupation. He received his honorable discharge with the rank of TSGT on October 29, 1952. He then returned to Crookston and was employed by his brothers, Sam and Muss, in their bar known as "The Mint." He later sold Fords for his cousin, George Salem, at his car dealership in Red Lake Falls, MN, and then spent several years working at Salem's Corner in Crookston, owned by his brother, Sam. After George Salem purchased Saul Motors in Crookston, and renamed it Salem Motors, he began selling Fords for him once again. On February 23, 1963 Bud was united in marriage to Theresa Victoria Klein at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Karlsruhe, ND. They settled into their home in Crookston and later welcomed daughters, Brenda and LeaAnn, into their lives. Following George Salem's death, Bud and partner, Harold Martin purchased the business in 1965, continuing to operate it as Salem Motors. In 1981, Harold's son, Dennis, became the new partner. After 48 years operating the dealership, Salem Motors was sold to Christian Brothers in February of 2013 Bud and Terry were devoted members of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, where he served on several committees and helped organize many fundraisers. They enjoyed spending time at their Maple Lake home, near Mentor, MN, and looked forward to entertaining family and friends. Throughout his life Bud was an avid sports fan, but his passion always remained with hockey. In younger days he coached the Senior Pirates, and together with several of his buddies, traveled to the State Hockey Tournament in the Twin Cities year after year. He was a longtime member of the Crookston Park Board and Hockey Boosters, and was honored as a recipient of the Hockey Boosters Award. Bud was also a lifetime member of the Eagles, American Legion Post 20, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1902, and the Knights of Columbus. He liked to cut grass, whether at home or at the lake, and loved to spend time in the three gardens that he maintained all summer long. He was a great cook, and preparing Lebanese food was one of his specialties. Bud will long be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and his wink and warm smile. He loved Terry, the girls, and his grandson with all his heart, and during the final days of his illness would light up whenever they came into the room. Though his days were numbered, each and every one of his family has memories that will last forever. Bud is survived by his beloved wife, Terry, and the couple had just celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on February 23rd. Also surviving are their two daughters, Brenda Salem of Minneapolis, MN and LeaAnn Salem of Crookston, MN; grandson, Gavin Richard Salem-Boman of Crookston; sister-in-law, Shirley Salem of Crookston; Terry's six siblings: John (Regina) Klein of Minot, ND, Jean (Adam) Wald of East Grand Forks, MN, Emmanuel (Angela) Klein of Minot, Ted Klein of Lisbon, ND, Allan (Elaine) Klein of Surrey, ND, and Cornelius (Celia) Klein of Spearfish, SD; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Barber and Emma; three brothers: Marcel "Muss" (Myrtle) Salem, and Louis and Sam Salem; and five sisters: Mary (Art) Anderson, Sally (Olaf) Homdrom, Agnes (Estol "Pat") Taylor, Betty (Roy) Bachellor, and Barbara (Richard) Butler. May God bless Bud's memory.

The Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Gordon "Bud" Salem will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 7, 2015, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston with Bishop Victor Balke, presiding, and The Rev. Vincent Miller, Concelebrating, together with other priests from the Diocese. Visitation with the family will be at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home on Friday from 5-7:00 p.m., with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, and also at the church for one hour prior to the Mass. Military Honors will be provided by the Crookston Veterans Council. Inurnment will take place at the Calvary Cemetery, Crookston, in the spring. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be given in Bud's name to the National Kidney Foundation, Cathedral Elementary School, Sisters of St. Benedict, Villa St. Vincent, or St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Fertile, MN. Online registry:





www.stenshoelhouske.com

Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

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Visitation
Friday, March 6, 2015
Service
Saturday, March 7, 2015

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