WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Bonnie Vane Salmen, age 81, of Three Rivers, passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2023 in Bowling Green, Florida.
She was born December 12, 1941 in Three Rivers, the daughter of Robert and Katharine (Eitniear) Ivins, and graduated from Three Rivers High School with the Class of 1960. Bonnie was a member of the Three Rivers High School Drill Team. She especially enjoyed attending the many sock hops and dances.
Bonnie married her high school sweetheart Gerald “Jerry” Salmen on June 3, 1961. Bonnie and Jerry loved to play card games with friends, read, build puzzles, and spent their winters enjoying the warm weather in Florida.
Bonnie worked at a variety of places, beginning as a waitress at The Canteen which is where she first met Jerry. She also worked at Peterson Shoe Store and served her community as the deputy clerk of Newberg Township. Most notably, Bonnie also spent many years as a loving stay at home mom to her three children.
Bonnie had a great sense of humor, endless creativity, a passion for art and her family, and a treasured collection of frogs. She enjoyed attending her grandkids’ sporting events, school activities, and using her creative talents to help them with 4-H projects, teach them to paint, and many other crafts. Through her art she formed many close friendships, such as those in her club of crafty ladies. She was also a member of the Lockport Center Women’s Club.
Remaining to cherish her memory are her husband, Jerry; sons, Michael Salmen and Matthew Salmen; daughter, Deb (Larry) Rice; grandchildren Micki Salmen, Trevor Salmen, Erica Wallen, Rachael Rice, Sarah Rice, Hannah Rice, Jonathon Salmen, Joshua Salmen and Alex Salmen; sisters, Jackie (Tom) Meyer and Kathy (Doug) Minger; brother, Bob Ivins; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister-in-law, Linda Ivins.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 1, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. Her funeral service will be Thursday morning, March 2, 2023 at 11:00 at the funeral home with Pastor Dave Peterson officiating. She will be laid to rest in Poe Cemetery.
Donations in Bonnie’s memory may be directed to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Carnegie Center for the Arts. Envelopes are available at and may be sent to the funeral home.
