Katherine Salwei

Katherine Salwei, age 95, of Crystal, ND, passed away from thyroid cancer on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at New Perspective Senior Living in West Fargo.

Katherine was born March 16, 1925 west of Oslo, MN to Isadore and Agnes (Allen) Bushaw.  She graduated from Oslo High School. She met Joseph Salwei at a Warsaw dance, and eventually they were married on October 25, 1948. They made their home in Crystal and continued to enjoy dancing throughout the years.

Katherine was a loving and devoted mother of 8 children. She gave countless hours attending her children’s activities, sports, music, and theater events. Her favorite times were entertaining and having her entire family together, especially at Christmas time. She enjoyed gardening and had a green thumb in caring for indoor and outdoor plants. She gifted many with her beautiful crocheted snowflakes, doilies, and afghans. One of her doilies earned the First Premium Blue Ribbon and trophy at the 1952 Walsh County Fair & State Potato Show.  Bingo with friends was a favored outing, because winning something, no matter how small, was fun.  Every morning she anxiously awaited the Grand Forks Herald to solve the new crossword puzzle.  After moving to assisted living, she found a renewed passion for jigsaw puzzles. She was active in St. Patrick’s Church Altar Society and taught Catechism for several years.

She is survived by her children Joseph A. Salwei (Debbie), Thief River Falls, MN, Daniel Salwei, Hensel, ND, Angela (Danny) Blomquist, Hallock, MN, Mark (JoAnn) Salwei, Poulsbo, WA, Loren (Karen) Salwei, Crystal, Pamela (Greg) Troftgruben, Buxton, ND, Heidi Salwei, Fargo, ND, and Stan (Rachel) Salwei, Grand Forks, ND; grandchildren, Melanie (Dirk), Sam, Jacklene (Josh), Brent, Paige, Madison, Ryan, and Gina; step grandchildren, Brent (Brenda), Riley, Dan, Rachel (John), Ryan (Brittany); great grandchildren, Ava and Abigail; step great grandchildren, Blake, Laura, Katelyn, Emma, Adam, Evan, Zachary, Vanessa, Graham, and Violet.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Joe; brother, Ralph; and grandchildren, Megan and Annie.

Due to covid restrictions, a private Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, December 9, 2 p.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Crystal, ND. 

A social-distanced visitation will be held before the funeral from 12:30-1:30 at the church. Rosary will be recited at 12. Masks are recommended.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to Crystal St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Building Fund or Cemetery Fund, Crystal Fire Department and First Responders, Pembina County Memorial Hospital Foundation, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.