Lillian Viola Salonen

Lillian Viola Salonen, age 95, of Iron River, MI, passed away Saturday, October 7, 2017 at the Iron County Medical Care Facility in Crystal Falls, Michigan. She was born September 20, 1922 in Iron River Township, the daughter of the late Herman and Ida (Kovalainen) Johnson. She attended the Iron River Schools, graduating from Iron River High School. She was employed as a bookkeeper for the Hewett Grocery for several years. Lillian married Walter Salonen on August 2, 1946 in Iron River Township, at her parent’s home. The couple made their home in Iron River, and in later years enjoyed spending their winters in Biloxi, MS. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in 2007 and Walter preceded her in death on October 10, 2007. She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Stambaugh, the Sarah Circle, and the Hilltopper Extension Club. She enjoyed reading, sewing, knitting, crocheting, spending time in her flower garden, and having coffee clutches with her favorite neighbors. Lillian is survived by her son, Ralph (Barbara) Salonen of Iron River; daughters, Donna (Donald) Larson of Houghton, MI, and Patricia McKenna of Lansing, MI; 10 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Walter, daughter, Sally Salonen, grandson, Darin Larson, and great grandson, Trevor Tervo. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 13, 2017 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River. An additional visitation will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Stambaugh, with funeral services to follow at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Michael Laakko to officiate. Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lillian Viola Salonen, please visit our flower store.