Beverly Jean Salonen

Beverly Jean Salonen, age 81, of Glenwood, MN, died peacefully on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at her home. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, December 13th at Glenwood United Parish. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream of the memorial service can be accessed at https://youtube.com/live/xKmKdtHQ_VY?feature=share and will be available for viewing on the funeral home website at a later date. Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home in Glenwood and will continue on Friday morning at the church, one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at a later date. Services are with Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Glenwood.
Beverly, affectionately known as "Bev" to her friends and loved ones, was born on October 15, 1943, in Huron, SD, to John and Gladys (Hofer) Kleinsasser. Her journey through life was marked by her unwavering kindness, selflessness and deep love for her family and community.
Bev spent her earliest years in South Dakota-Tyndall and Lake Norden-before her family settled in Hoffman, MN, where she attended Hoffman High School under the watchful eye of her beloved father, also the superintendent. After graduation, she studied at the University of Minnesota at Morris, enjoying her time singing in a women's quartet, her love of music having been passed down by her mother. Bev continued to appreciate music, especially Gospel, throughout her life, embracing the messages of peace and redemption.
As soon as Bev saw Roger Salonen's striking blue eyes, she was smitten. The two dated in high school, and were married in a beautiful ceremony on August 3, 1963, in Huron. The couple moved to Richmond, CA, where Roger was stationed in the U.S. Navy, and their daughter, Kelly, was born. After four years, they returned to South Dakota briefly, where son Troy was born in Estelline, before settling in Glenwood, where son Michael joined the fold. There, they raised their family, formed deep friendships, and created countless memories.
While pouring love into her family brought her the greatest joy, Bev also had a passion for brightening others' lives, including at Maher Dental Clinic in Glenwood, where she was the welcoming face to patients as office administrator for 20 years until her retirement. With her warm, brown eyes and genuine smile, her concern for and interest in others did not go unnoticed. During this time, despite initial protests, Bev was won over by technology, and ultimately turned her fascination for digital photography into a way of loving others through her many creations, some of which became artful canvases.
Bev brought her optimistic presence into her community, including through the Glenwood Jaycees, where her oratory skills shone brightly, earning her a victory in a Jaycees state competition. She also served as an auxiliary member for the Glenwood Fire Department and loved participating at her parish, Glenwood United, sharing her gifts of singing, speaking and connecting with others.
As a two-time cancer survivor, Bev was well aware of the fleetingness of life and counted each day a blessing. Her acute awareness of the gift of time helped her hold each moment, and everyone near her, tighter than most. Bev's love for walks by the beach, capturing images of picture-perfect sunsets and "her" tree, along with fall foliage at Barsness Park or Mount Lookout, enabled her to glorify the God of life, who had preserved hers despite the odds. Whether enjoying leisurely days on the pontoon, spending time on the golf course with friends, or partaking in winter retreats in the South, her spirit and laughter were infectious and gladly received by those around her.
Bev was truly the heart and soul of her home, and as her family grew, she stayed involved and interested in each of her grandchildren's lives, including as they entered adulthood. She expended her life and love on others, preferring to be the giver over the recipient. For 61 years, she was a devoted wife to Roger, a nurturing mother to her three children, Kelly (Todd) Torguson of Diamond Head, MS, Troy (Roxane) of Fargo, ND, and Michael (Tammy) of Glenwood, and a doting grandmother to her nine grandchildren, Christian Salonen, Olivia (Taylor) Kray, Elizabeth Salonen, Adam (Victoria) Salonen, Nick Salonen, Michael Torguson, Derek Burd, Andrew Salonen, and Anthony Salonen. She was also a cherished great-grandmother to Addilyn Burd and Amelia Elwood. Her sister, Jelene (Duane) Nachreiner, will hold dear the memories of their sisterly bond.
Bev was preceded in death by her parents, John and Gladys Kleinsasser, and her grandson, Anthony Torguson. Her legacy of love and service will continue to live on through her family and all those who were fortunate enough to know her.
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