Joseph K Salwei

Joseph K. Salwei, age 89 of Crystal, ND, died on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at Wedgewood Manor, Cavalier, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, November 23, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Crystal, ND. Visitation will be held Sunday, November 22nd from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a 5:00 p.m. vigil service at the church. Burial will be held in the St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery.
Joseph K. Salwei was born February 29, 1920 near Zeeland, ND to Kasper and Magdalena (Aberle) Salwei. He grew up and attended school in Zeeland, and then attended college in Ellendale, ND. Joe, then moved to Crystal and worked at the Kelly Store until he enlisted in the U.S. Army-Air Force Signal Corps during World War II, where he served as radio operator in the Pacific Theatre. After his honorable discharge, Phil Dahl encouraged him to return to Crystal where he bought the drug store, and later in the same building, started the grocery store business with his brother John. He married Katherine Bushaw on October 25, 1948. President Truman appointed him U.S. postmaster in 1951, where he served until his retirement in 1985.
Joe was very active in the Crystal community. He served as clerk on the Crystal (later Valley) school board for 29 years. As a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, he served as trustee for 20 years and church custodian for 33 years. During his term as chairman of the Crystal Park Board, he was instrumental in developing the new park and tennis court there. He was a member of the Clifford-Lane American Legion Post #107, and the Germans from Russia Historical Society.
Joe always tried to find things to do for the youth of the community, such as coaching Legion baseball and being a boy scout leader.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years and his children Joseph A. Salwei , Thief River Falls, MN, Daniel Salwei, Hensel, ND, Angela (Danny) Blomquist, Hallock, MN, Mark (JoAnn) Salwei, Poulsbo, WA, Loren (fiancee, Karen) Salwei, Crystal, Pamela (Greg) Troftgruben, Buxton, ND, Heidi Salwei, Arthur, ND, and Stan (Rachel) Salwei, Grand Forks, ND; grandchildren, Melanie Blomquist-Hanson, Sam Salwei, Jacklene Salwei, Brent Salwei, Paige and Madison Salwei, Ryan and Gina Troftgruben; great grandchildren, Ava and Abigail Hanson; brothers, Andrew (Edith) Salwei, Grand Forks, ND, Al (Arlyss) Salwei, Fergus Falls, MN; sisters, Ginny (Joe) Gauthier, Texas, and Lorraine Grant, Washington, DC.
Preceding him in death were his parents, and siblings, Kasper,Jr., Peter, Michael, John, Lee, Mary, and George.
Celebrant: Rev. Fr. Robert Pecotte.
Casket Bearers: Joseph A. Salwei, Daniel Salwei, Mark Salwei, Loren Salwei, Stan Salwei, and Scott Salwei.
Music: Laurie Zidon, Song Leader and Jane Sobolik, Organist.
Military Rites by the Clifford Lane Post #107, Crystal American Legion.