Michael Charles "Mike" Salmen

Michael Charles Salmen, 59 (just shy of his 60th birthday), passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the Mitchell House after many months of illness. He did not go gentle into that good night.

Mike was born with a beautiful head of red hair on November 17, 1965, the son of Iris (Grim) and Charles Salmen, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Norfolk, Nebraska. He spent his younger years in Nebraska: St. Paul, Grand Island and St. Libory. In 1979, his family moved to Sioux City, Iowa. In 1983, Mike proudly earned his high school diploma.

On July 30, 1988, Mike married his childhood love, Shawn Hoefer. Two children were born to their union: Nisa and Egin. Mike was a grandpa to Ezra (6 years) and Apollo (2 months) and another grandson due in December. Mike and Shawn lived and worked in Florida and New York before moving back home to Siouxland. Mike followed his father and step-father into construction and rebuilding. He owned and operated Mike Salmen, LLC for many years. Mike took great pride in transforming dilapidated houses into beautiful homes for new families. He planned and built his own home as well. He was a hard worker, talented carpenter and good businessman.

Mike enjoyed all genres of music, especially heavy metal. A fan of KISS since he was young, he loved seeing them in concert in 2016. Riding his Harley and feeling free was a great joy. He was a man who stood out with his red hair, green eyes and 6 foot 5" stature. He was a loving and caring son, brother, husband, father, grandpa and uncle. He would do whatever he could to help others when he was able.

Left to remember all the good in him are his wife and love of 45 years, Shawn; his daughter, Nisa Salmen (Miles Scott), grandson, Ezra Weiss and baby boy due in December. His son, Egin Salmen (Lily Torrez) grandson, Apollo Salmen. His mother and step-father, Iris and Greg Hofling. His father and step-mother, Charles and Marcella Salmen. His sisters: Jodi (George) Nelson, Tara Salmen (Jason), Jeni (Eric) Davis and his brothers, Brant Salmen and Lucas Brandt. Many, many nieces, nephews, and aunts and uncles. Mike was preceded in death by his grandparents Emma Lou and Vandell Grim and Iola & Chet Salmen and his father-in-law, Boyd Hoefer.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, October 24 at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel on Stone Park Blvd in Sioux City. Visitation with family present from 5 to 7 p.m. with the Celebration at 7 p.m.

Donations in Mike's memory can be made to the Mitchell Hospice House, 6140 Morningside Avenue, Sioux City, Iowa.Thank you also to Hospice of the Midwest for all of their care and concern.