Joseph Paul Salentiny, 97, was born on September 23, 1922, at home near Westbrook, MN, the son of John and Wilhelmina (Habeck) Salentiny. He grew up near Dundee, MN and attended country school through the eighth grade. He married Alice Bertha Sullivan on September 14, 1949, in Waubun, MN. After their marriage, they lived and farmed on the family farm. Joe remained on the farm after Alice passed away on September 4, 2009. Joe entered Lakeview Assisted Living in Heron Lake on July 2, 2019, and passed away there on July 2, 2020 at the age of 97. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Heron Lake and a former member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dundee, MN. Joe was a supervisor on the LaCrosse Township Board. He was an excellent handyman and inventor, rarely hiring any expert help. Early farming years, he milked cows, raised a few pigs and laying chickens; and mainly concentrated on feeder cattle. He shared his love of farming with his family. In later years, he became an excellent cook. And his sweet tooth drove him to baking some of his and his family's favorites: homemade pies, cookies and kuchen. He became well known for his beef jerky and loved to share it with others. Joe was a devoted husband, loving and caring for his wife, Alice, of 59 years. Joe had a strong faith, which was evident in how he lived his life. Joe is survived by four children: Marge (Gene) Freking, Heron Lake; Jim (Lynne) Salentiny, Heron Lake; Deb (Steve) Freking, Windom; and Dennis (LeAnn) Salentiny, Lakefield; 13 grandchildren: Brandon Freking, Centennial, CO and his children, Lilyann and Annika; Jessica (Eric) Schultz, Plymouth, MN and their children, Sammy and Maddie; Mark (Sheila) Freking, Heron Lake, and their children, Dylan, Faith, Ellie and Nora; Krista (Scott) Stude, Mankato, MN and their children, Ethan and Kylie; Kay (Shannon) Risacher, Minnetonka, MN and their children, Zoe and Alex; Scott Freking, Heron Lake, and his son, Drystan; Bryan Freking, Heron Lake, and his son Weston; Rachel, Becca, Paul, Tim, Renae and Eryn Salentiny. Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Alice; his parents; brother, Lawrence and sister in law, Blanche; sister, Marie and brother in law, Joe McCarvel.