Bernard "Bernie" Charles Salo

            Bernard “Bernie” Charles Salo, age 69, died unexpectedly on Saturday morning, May 4, 2024 at UPHS – Marquette.   He was born in Skandia on December 7, 1954 to the late Walter and Elizabeth (Kannisto) Salo.  Bernie graduated from Eben High School and worked in the woods with his father.   He went to work at the mines after high school.  Bernie worked at Mather B., the Tilden, and the Empire Mines before retiring as a drill operator in 2014.  Bernie married Debbie Washburn on September 14, 2013.  In his retirement, he was the official potato peeler and dishwasher for Debbie’s Family Catering.  Bernie and Debbie enjoyed attending the Whitetail Banquets each year.  He loved fishing with his cousin and wife, Randy and Beverly Ollila.  Bernie always enjoyed family time together with the kids and grandkids.  He and his buddies, Tommy Oberstar and Barry Johnson built his camp, and Bernie enjoyed his time there – especially during deer season.   He also enjoyed an occasional trip to the casino.  Bernie and his cousin, Wayne Salo were coffee klatch regulars at the Snack Bar.  

            Bernie is survived by his loving wife – Debbie Salo of Trenary; children – Shelly (Todd) Russell of Skandia, Kyle (Melissa Allen) Bigger of Escanaba, and Jeremy (Arieka Pierce) Bigger of Trenary; grandchildren – Zander and Kaidence Bigger and J.T. and Tyler Russell; Arieka’s kids – Zach, Abby, and Oakley; great-grandson – Levi; fur baby – Merlin; sister – Anita (John) Jonas; in-laws – Sid (Jean) Washburn, Carol (Donald) Bray, Kathy Washburn, and Kevin (Amanda) Washburn; nieces – Jocelyn (Jake) Mattson, Jolene Jonas, and Stephanie (Kim) Trudell; nephews – Justin Jonas and Brandon Salo; great-nephews – Jaxon Mattson and Stephen Trudell; numerous nieces and nephews on the Washburn side of the family; and many cousins and friends who meant the world to Bernie.  He was preceded in death by his parents Walt and Betty Salo and his brother Dale Salo.

            Visiting time with family and friends will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from 3:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.  There will be a fellowship gathering at The Snack Bar in Eben beginning at 6:30 p.m.