Oklee, MN: Carmen Rystad Dies at 46

Oklee, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — Carmen Jodelle Rystad, 46, died Friday, January 30, 2026.

She died in her sleep at her residence near Oklee. Family members said health issues were a factor.

Service details

Visitation begins at 1 PM Saturday, February 7, 2026. The funeral service follows at 2 PM.

The service is set for Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls.

Burial will take place later at Salem Cemetery near Oklee.

Background

Rystad was born on October 12, 1979, in Thief River Falls. Her parents were Ordean Rystad and Phyllis Westlake Rystad.

She was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Oklee. She was confirmed at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, near Oklee.

She graduated from Oklee High School in 1998. She later attended Central Lakes College in Brainerd.

She worked for a time at a credit union in Brooks. She later worked as a dispatcher for the Red Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Family members said her health problems grew during those years. They said those issues later forced her to stop working.

Family and survivors

Her son, Grayson Ordean Rystad, was born in December 2003. She later married Patrick Salentiny on October 9, 2019.

They made their home on a farm north of Oklee. Family members said she took pride in raising her son.

She is survived by her son, Grayson Rystad, of Oklee. She is survived by her husband, Patrick Salentiny, of Oklee.

Survivors also include her mother, Phyllis Rystad, of Oklee. She is also survived by her brother, Justin Rystad, and his wife, Cindy Rystad.

She is also survived by her nephew, Dawson Rystad, and her niece, Payton Rystad. She is also survived by several aunts and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ordean Rystad. She was also preceded by her grandparents, Olaf and Hazel Rystad, and John and Ruby Westlake.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.