Don Salonen

Don C. Salonen, 78, of Great Falls, passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at a local care facility.A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, April 17, 2015 at Redeemer Lutheran Church.Don was born on June 10, 1936 in Great Falls, Montana to Enio and Sylvia (Taskila) Salonen. He attended Paris Gibson School in Great Falls and Geyser "public" School in Geyser when living with his grandparents, Lisa and Charles Taskila. Don entered the U. S. Navy when he was 17 years old. After 8 1/2 years, he was discharged and joined the Air National Guard. He graduated from NCO Academy in Knoxville, TN. Don retired after serving a total of 20 years. Don also worked with the Montana Highway Department. On August 7, 1993, Don married Nelda Posey at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Great Falls.Don was a life member of the VFW.Don is survived by his wife, Nelda; daughter Cindy Schott; son Don Salonen, Jr; and stepchildren Linda Posey, Doug (Joy Suiter) Posey, Jim (Lori) Posey, Pat (Beverly) Kelley.He was preceded in death by his son, Larry Posey and sister, Luella Bowman.