Karl Merritt Salhus

Karl Merritt Salhus was born on April 17, 1941, in Jasper, MN, to Reuben Salhus and Blanche (Merritt). As a child, he and his family lived in Jasper and Canby before moving to Marshall where he graduated from Marshall High School in 1959. He attended school at Mankato State University, the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota School of Business. On October 5, 1963, he was united in marriage to Janet Schrunk. Karl’s primary occupation was as a highway inspector for the State of Minnesota where he worked for over 30 years. He was a hard worker and held many other jobs as well. He and Janet ran the Atlantic Hotel in Marshall. Karl was a talented “jack of all trades.” He was gifted with carpentry, plumbing and electrical skills. He was generous with his skills and would help complete projects for friends and family. He was an avid sports fan, especially of the Minnesota Vikings and Gophers. One sports highlight was attendance at the 1961 Rose Bowl where the Minnesota Gophers beat the UCLA Bruins. Karl also enjoyed wood working, bowling, and was an avid music fan. He will be remembered for his caring heart, his generosity and many words of wisdom, his sensitivity and willingness to listen and his giant bear hugs. Karl died unexpectedly on Monday, January 12, 2015, at his residence in Marshall at the age of 73. He is survived by his children Karin Herrboldt of Willmar and son Kris Salhus of Marshall, grandchildren Brittany (and Luke) Gaffaney, Kory Salhus and Heidi Herrboldt, great-grandson Tristan Karl Gaffaney, siblings Jon (and Mary Ann) Salhus, Ruth Ann Saad El-Dein of Marshall, Rolf (and Shirley) Salhus of Apple Valley, step-brother Dave (and Jane) Burns, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Janet, two sisters in childhood, Joan and Karin, and three step-brothers: Jim, Jerry and Bob Burns. He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.