Obituaries

Benno Werner Salewski (Waldo)

Benno Werner Salewski, (Waldo) 82, died Thursday, January 5, 2012. He was born September 15, 1929, in Waterbury, CT, to Hans and Tillie Woike Salewski. He earned a BEE degree from Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute. Following service in the U.S. Navy, he received a theological degree from Concordia Seminary, served a pastorate in Stewartville, MN, and then became chaplain of University Lutheran Chapel at the University of Minnesota. During the Vietnam War, a significant portion of his ministry focused on helping students deal with issues surrounding the conflict. He became pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Owatonna, MN, then executive director of the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition, a non-profit citizen's lobby concerned with human services and other social issues. At the age of 50, he went to law school; in 1983, he received a Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, MN, and was admitted to the bar the same year. He became Director of Public Affairs for Care Providers of Minnesota and later served as assistant to the mayor of St. Paul in charge of intergovernmental relations. In 1989, he became executive director of the Arkansas Health Care Association and held that position for 10 years. After retirement, he continued to be active in healthcare and aging issues. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Mary Metcalfe Waldo; son, Stephen Salewski (Karen) of Plano, Texas; daughter, Elizabeth Salewski Schertz (Dennis) of Hudson, Wos; son, Matthew Salewski of St. Paul, Minn.; daughter, Rebecca Salewski of North Little Rock, Ark.; daughter, Deborah Salewski Winkelman (Chris) of St. Paul, Minn.; step-son, Andrew Waldo of Little Rock, Ark.; sister, Idy Tentoni (Pio) of Jenson Beach, Fla; sister-in-law, Sharon Metcalfe of Frisco, Texas; grandchildren, Emily and James Schertz, Anthony and Dupree Winkelman; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his step-daughter, Sara Elizabeth Waldo. A Visitation will be held Sunday, January 8, from 4-5:30 p.m. at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, 20900 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock. Date and location of a memorial service as well as the interment of ashes are to be determined later. Ben's body has been donated to UAMS to aid further research of Parkinson's disease. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ben's name to St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, 20900 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. 72223, to KLRE/KUAR Public Radio, 5820 Asher Avenue, Ste. 400, Little Rock, Ark. 72204, or to a charity or organization of choice. The family thanks Chenal Heights Nursing and Rehab and Arkansas Hospice for their care and support. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

Published January 7, 2012

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