Dan Salvhus

Dan Salvhus, age 71, of McIntosh, MN, passed away on Wednesday, July 3rd, at McIntosh Senior Living with his family by his side. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 9th, at Mount Carmel Free Lutheran Church in McIntosh with the Rev. Jerry Moan officiating. Interment will be in Mount Carmel Free Lutheran Cemetery, McIntosh. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Monday, July 8th, at the McIntosh Community Center. There will also be reviewal for one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church. Military honors will be provided by the Bailey-Throne American Legion Post #596 or Erskine and the Army National Guard Honors Team. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of McIntosh and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

Daniel Andrew Salvhus was born on November 30, 1952, in Fosston, Minnesota to parents Andrew and Minnie (Dyrdahl) Salvhus. He grew up in McIntosh and graduated from McIntosh High School in 1971. He entered the United States Army after high school and was stationed in Germany. He received his honorable discharge in 1974 and returned home. 

Dan was united in marriage to Mary Frethem on July 2, 1977, at Mount Carmel Free Lutheran Church in McIntosh. To this union, three daughters were born, Leah, Jill, and Amie. They lived and raised their family in McIntosh. Dan worked for Stanley Brekke at Brekke’s Standard in McIntosh and, in 1986, he purchased the business, renaming it Dan’s Standard. Dan continued operating the shop until his cancer forced him to retire. 

Community and church were important to Dan. In addition to being a long-time part of the McIntosh business community, Dan served the community and area on the McIntosh Fire Department for over 27 years and served on the City Council. In his church, Mount Carmel, he was an active member in many ways, as church councilman and in youth ministry.

Dan also had the opportunity to provide ministry through his business, and he did. He was able to use his time with people in the shop to share the Gospel. His smile, pleasant nature, and unassuming way naturally drew people to him. And, he always had a small bible at the shop to give away to anyone that wanted. 

Dan loved his family. He went to all of the kids sporting events, college events, church events and numerous other activities. With the addition of grandchildren, his life revolved around them. He dearly loved every moment he spent with his grandchildren.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing (especially with his grandchildren), gardening, and Christian rock/concerts. He will be remembered for his love of Christ, his patience, the way that he treated people, preparing wonderful Sunday dinners for his family, and for being a great life teacher and mentor to his children and grandchildren. He will be dearly missed.

Dan passed away with his family by his side on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at McIntosh Senior Living at the age of 71 years. Even with his difficult cancer diagnosis, Dan always said “I’m at peace because I know where I’m going.” 

Survivors include his loving wife of 47 years, Mary, of McIntosh; three daughters, Leah (Jay) Mahlen of Erskine, Jill Hewitt (Ben Schmidt) of Breezy Point, MN, and Amie (Dave) Erickson of Hawley, MN; grandchildren, Tavin Hewitt, Tyus Mahlen, Raiden Hewitt, Josiah Erickson, Treyton Mahlen, Mara Erickson, and baby Erickson (on the way). Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Sandy Salvhus of McIntosh, and Lori Salvhus of Ada, MN; and brother-in-law, Glen Brua of McIntosh.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Arvid and David; two sisters, Joanne Brua and Marilyn Hamre; and brother-in-law, Leighton Hamre.