Mark Joseph Salmen

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mark Salmen. Mark Joseph Salmen, age 74, of Afton, MN, passed away, on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Lakeview Hospital, in Stillwater, MN.He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Salmen, infant brother, Gregory Salmen, and grandson, Jonathan Gomez. He is survived by his wife Suzanne Salmen, son Andy Salmen (Betsy); daughters Chris Diaz (Lucio), Tammy Montray (Dave), Tanya Huettl (Bret), brother Dave Salmen (Darle), nephew Matt Salmen, niece Cassandra Salmen, 14 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren, and many other relatives.

Mark grew up in St Mary's Point, MN. He graduated from Stillwater High School, in 1969, and was appointed to the United States Naval Academy.He graduated in 1973, with a Bachelor of Science degree, and a commission as Ensign, in the United States Navy. His career spanned 34 years of Active Duty and Reserve Naval Service.He retired from Active Duty in 2003, with the rank of Captain, and returned to the St Croix Valley. He worked for the US Army Corp of Engineers, the FAA, and finally Northwest/Delta Airlines where he spent 29 years in Ground Operations, Flight Operations, and Operations Control departments. Mark served on the Minnesota Sound Abatement Council, and several accident/incident teams for the National Safety Board. Mark holds professional licenses as an Aircraft Dispatcher, an Airline Transport Pilot, and a Certified Flight Instructor.

Mark served on the superintendent's staff, at the United States Naval Academy, as the volunteer Area Coordinator for Minnesota, as part of the Naval Academy Information Program. As such, he oversaw 25 volunteers, and worked closely with students, high school counselors, and the US Congressional delegation from Minnesota, in administering 14 - 18 full ride, 4 year scholarship appointments to the Naval Academy each year.

Mark worked with South Washington County PLACE Program, for youth at Risk, City of Minneapolis Business Youth Partners nProgram, and Boys and Girls Club.In addition, he has been a valued member of Boy Scouts of America for over 40 years.He has held leadership positions in the Council; Troop Committee member, District Commissioner, District Eagle Scout Board of Review, and a member of the Council President's cabinet.

Mark was selected to the 1991 Vulcan Krewe, as General Flameous, in 1991, and Vulcas Rex LXIII, in 2000.

Visitation at Bradshaw Funeral Home, Stillwater, MN, on Sunday, July 19, 4-8 PM. Funeral Mass at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Lakeland, MN, on Monday, July 20, visitation 10-11 AM, Service 11 AM., followed by reception at Tinucci's, Newport, MN
Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery Friday, July 31, 11 AM.