Funeral Service
2:00 PM, Saturday, January 8, 2011
Lake Norden Baptist Church
Lake Norden, South Dakota
Pastor Warren Vendt, Officiating

Interment
Poinsett Cemetery
Rural Arlington, South Dakota

Visitation
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Friday at Miller Funeral Home, 507 South Main Avenue, Sioux Falls and one hour preceding services at the church in Lake Norden.


Rodney Joel Salonen, son of Leslie and Mary (Smith) Salonen, was born January 7, 1954 in Watertown, South Dakota. He attended school in Lake Norden and Hayti, graduating from Hayti High School in 1972. Rodney grew to manhood in the Lake Norden area and has resided in Sioux Falls for the past 35 years. He enjoyed spending time with his family and was a longtime member of the IMPACT Program and the 5th Street Connection where he enjoyed spending time with his friends. Rodney passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at his residence in Sioux Falls.

He will be remembered for his gentle heart, sense of humor and bright blue eyed smile.

Grateful for having shared his life are two brothers, Darwin Salonen of Lake Norden, Mike Salonen and his wife Lori of Yankton, SD; one sister, Delores Kangas and her husband Gordon of Lake Norden; a special niece, Linda Summers and her husband Dooley of Cheyenne, WY; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Karen Holgate.