Alex Joseph Salava age 71 of Hudson died unexpectedly Wednesday February 5, 2014 at his residence. Alex was born on September 14, 1942 in St. Paul, Minnesota; the son of Alex and Gertrude (Niedzielski) Salava. He was raised in St. Paul where he graduated from Washington High School. Alex began a long and rewarding career with 3M. He began in custodial and would work his way through the ranks to become at I.T. Specialist. On June 6, 1987, he was united in marriage to Therese “Terrie” Nordick at the Episcopalian Church in Stillwater.

Alex cherished his family and spending time with grandchildren. Although a man of great stature, he was a big teddy bear who loved to tease others and have a good time. One of his favorite pastimes was trying to find a deal or a sale at auctions or garage sales. To this day his garage is filled with items he couldn’t live without. He also took pleasure from putzing on cars; including bodywork and painting. Terrie and Alex enjoyed trips to the casino where he tried his hand at blackjack and slots; but usually came up empty handed. Earlier in life, he enjoyed the camaraderie of friends with fast pitch softball.

Alex will remain in the hearts of his wife Terrie; children Lori Link of Stillwater, Dave (Robin) Salava of River Falls, Ed Salava of Lake St. Croix Beach, Krissy Olsen of North Hudson, Terri (Chad) Casey of Lake St. Croix Beach, Mary (Chad) Walker of New Richmond; Grandchildren April (Matt), Justine, Natalie, Sharon, Toni, Travis, Michael, Kristian, Josh, Honor, Nick, Parker, Tanner, Cody, Alissa, Dillon, Colton, and his great grandchildren; siblings Audrey (Don) Fleishhacker, Teresa (Jim) Schmidt, and many other extended relatives and friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents; son Al, grandchildren Christopher, Chelsea, Taylor, and his sister Delores.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 PM Monday, February 10 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 16770 13th Street, Lake St. Croix Beach, MN. Burial will be at Union Cemetery in St. Paul with his immediate family serving as casketbearers. Visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass at church Monday. Memorials preferred. Funeral services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson.