Anita Salo-Jonas

She was born March 27, 1957, in Marquette, a daughter of Walter L. and Elizabeth A. (Kannisto). She was a 1975 graduate of Eben High School and lifelong area resident.

Nita worked at a very early age at the next door neighbor’s dairy farm helping in a variety of ways. She also worked at the Tiroler Hof Motel through high school in the summers.

She began work at Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company (CCI) at age 19 as a laborer in the pellet plant. Within 2 years she moved out to the open pit to drive a 120 ton production truck. She was only the second woman to work in the pit and in time gained the respect of her male counterparts. Three years later, she was laid off and began her employment with Bunny Bread in their bakery thrift store. She worked there for seven years before returning to CCI where she operated the “crusher” and became very involved in the union. She held a variety of positions including Pit Safety Representative and Chairperson, Grievance Representative, Community Services, Trustee for the local, political action and the Editor of The Local Truth (union newspaper). She retired after 30 years of service in October 2010. She spent her retirement traveling, gardening, spending time with her grandson, playing BINGO, sewing, camping and bargin hunting.

While raising a family, Nita earned a Bachelor’s degree from NMU in criminal justice with a minor in labor relations. She was a proud Yooper that held true to her Finnish heritage and enjoyed frequent, hot saunas. She was a loving “Mumu” to Jaxon, an outdoorswoman, an accomplished seamstress, lover of Mother Superior, cake decorator, miner, Girl Scout Leader, strong union activist, union safety representative, beach bum, fisherwoman, photographer “paparita”, and casino enthusiast. She was also a member of the United Steel Workers of America, Local 4950.

Nita is survived by her husband, John Jonas of Marquette whom she married September 22, 1979; daughters, Jocelyn (Jake) Mattson of Negaunee and Jolene Jonas of Spotsylvania, VA; son, Justin Jonas of Negaunee; grandson, Jaxon Mattson; nieces, Stephenie Trudell, Tonya Burke, Crystal Lafreniere, Briana Olson, April Corpi and Ashley Seelen; nephews, Brandon Salo, Toby, Mike and Chris Rivord and Cole Seelen.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Dale and Bernard Salo.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024 from 3 to 5 pm at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services. A Memorial Service will be held at 5 pm in the funeral home with Rev. Kyle Detmers officiating. A luncheon will follow the service in the funeral home.

Memories of Anita may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.