Barney T. Salmi

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Barney T. Salmi, 96, of Sunset Road, Ironwood Township, a proud Finn, died Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015, at Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield.

He was born March 12, 1918, in Bessemer, son of the late August and Matilda (Lehtonen) Salmi, attended Puritan Grade School, and graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in 1935. He then attended Ironwood Junior College.

Prior to serving stateside in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, Barney worked in area mines and at the Hellie Power Co. Following his honorable discharge as a sergeant in 1946, he was employed at Michigan Bell Telephone Co. for many years, retiring as a supervisor in 1980.

A charter member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ironwood, Barney served on the Board of Elders, Board of Trustees, and in numerous other positions of leadership. He was also a member of Ironwood American Legion Post 5. He was an avid follower of the Ironwood Red Devils and his beloved Bessemer Speedboys, as well as the Michigan Wolverines and Detroit Lions and Tigers. He loved his family and spending time at his cottage on Lake Gogebic, especially in his sauna which he built by hand. Barney never met a person he couldn't call a friend. He will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 72 years, the former Luella Santi, whom he married on Sept. 18, 1942, in Ironwood; two sons, Jim and Steve, both of Ironwood Township; a daughter, Jane (Dusty) Barclay, of Williamston; five grandchildren, Scott Salmi (Danielle Cummings), Ironwood Township, Michelle (Aaron) Haskins, Hudson, Wis., Christopher (Emily) Vlasich, Park Ridge, Ill., Evan Barclay, Houston, and Andrew Barclay, Boulder, Colo .; eight great-grandchildren, Sierra, Giavanna, Iyla, Devin, Ethyn, Vanea, Elise and Charlie; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Barney was predeceased by two brothers, Eino Salmi and William Mannisto; and two sisters, Ann Massie and Ellen Fontecchio.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Barney's Life will be held on Monday, July 6, 2015. More details will follow.

Barney's obituary can be viewed online and condolences given to his family at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.

 Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."