Ralph Salonen

IRON RIVER, Mich. - Ralph Salonen, 64, of Iron River, passed away unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020.

He was born on Jan. 9, 1956, in Stambaugh, the son of the late Walter and Lillian (Johnson) Salonen. He attended the West Iron County Schools, graduating with the class of 1974.

Ralph married Barbara Poulos on March 3, 1984, in Iron River. The couple celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary this year.

He was employed as a construction journeyman pipe fitter, traveling all over the United States working at various commercial and industrial sites. Ralph was a member of the U.P. Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union 111 of Escanaba and the First Lutheran Church of Iron River. He had a strong belief in his Christian faith. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed riding his electric bicycle and his motorcycle and ventured around the U.P. and Wisconsin hoping to share his faith with those he happened to meet. Ralph was also a Civil War enthusiast.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Jaclyn (Rexford) Haugen of Centennial, Colorado; sisters, Donna (Donald) Larson, of Houghton, and Patricia McKenna, of Lansing; brother-in-law, Curt (Jill) Poulos, of Iron River; sister-in-law, Victoria Poulos, of Iron River; many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was also preceded in death by his sister, Sally Salonen; and brother-in-law, John Poulos.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Ralph Salonen online at jacobsfuneralhomeir.com

Funeral arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River.