Walter R. Salonen

Walter R. Salonen, age 85, Iron River, MI died Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at the Iron County Community Hospital, Iron River. Born: March 27, 1922 in Bessemer, MI The son of the late John and Sanna (Miilunpohja) Salonen attended the Bessemer schools, and following graduation attended Michigan Technological University and Rutgers University. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of WWII, serving in the infantry in the European Theater. He married the former Lillian Johnson on August 2, 1946 in Iron River Township at her parents' home and the couple made their home in Iron River. The couple celebrated their 61st anniversary this year. He was employed as a Pipe Fitter/Welder/General Foreman for Bechtel Corporation, and later as an Insurance Agent for State Farm Insurance. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran Choir, Michigan National Guard, Camp Grayling Officer's Club, lifetime member of the VFW of Iron River, Pipe Fitters Local # 111, Michigan Tech Alumni, and the United States Golf Association. He was an avid golfer and football fan, especially for the Wykons and Packers. He also enjoyed gardening and cross country skiing. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Reino and Wayne Salonen, and one grandchild, Darin Larson. He is survived by his wife Lillian One son, Ralph (Barbara) Salonen of Iron River Three daughters, Donna (Donald) Larson of Ishpeming, MI Sally Salonen of Iron River Patricia McKenna of Lansing, MI 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren Visitation: Sunday, October 14, 2007 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River. Funeral Service: Monday, October 15, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Iron River, with Rev. Doug Johnson to officiate Interment: Resthaven Cemetery, Iron River Funeral arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Walter R. Salonen, please visit our flower store.