John Salnoske

John Francis Salnoske, 80, of Benton Harbor passed away on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

John was born Dec. 20, 1944, in Benton Harbor, Mich., to Francis and Bernice Salnoske. After graduating from Benton Harbor High School in 1963, he attended Benton Harbor Community College for one year prior to enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1965. He served his country for four years primarily in Vietnam.

John married the love of his life, Lonna (Honeysss), on Feb. 14, 1987. John was a heavy equipment operator for most of his work career and was last employed at DC Cook nuclear facility as a crane operator. John was a licensed pilot and at one point he built and owned his own airplane. He was a big fan of the Detroit Lions and passionately attended all of his grandkids' sporting events. His love for animals showed in the many Shih Tzus he gave a home to. John had a large field of friends that was always growing. Best buddies were; son-in-law, Lee Myers; brother, Gary Robinson, and Rich Freed. He was known to all grandkids, family and many friends as John-John.

John was a man of faith and belief who trusted in the promises of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He will be greatly missed.

John is survived by his wife of 38 years, Lonna; daughter, Kimra (Lee) Myers of Stevensville; sons: Wade Froberg of Plainwell, and Darren (Stacy) of Galesburg; brothers: Gary (Joane) of Benton Harbor, and Claude Robinson; grandchildren: Laura (Tim) Lynd, godson Lee (Regan) Myers, Brandon (Nicole) Myers, Kaydee, Destiny, Fallon and Dallas (Meaghan) Froberg; great-grandchildren Emily Lynd, Maeve and Brynn Myers, Duke and Dane Froberg.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Francis and Bernice; sisters: Cindy Bravender and Jane Holloway; stepfather, Percy Robinson and stepbrothers: James and Robert Robinson.

A celebration of life gathering is planned for Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home in Coloma at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to EAA Chapter 585, Watervliet, or the Salnoske family. Those wishing to share a memory or leave a message may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.