Salzbrenner, Wilbur K. 'Bill'

Wilbur K. “Bill” Salzbrenner, 82, of 1124 Clifton St. NE, passed away peacefully Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha after a courageous 5-year battle with colon cancer. Services: 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Pius X Catholic Church by the Rev. David Ambrosy. Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery, with military honors by American Legion Post 727. A vigil service will be held 4 p.m. Monday at Teahen Funeral Home, where friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m., and at the church Tuesday after 9 a.m.

Bill is survived by his wife, Pat; two sons, Jim (Kim) of Mount Vernon and John (Jayne) of Marion; seven grandchildren, Jason (NaRhea), Ross, Trevor, Holly, Jenna, Mindy and Madison; one great-grandson, Tate; three brothers, Glen (Anna) of Lakewood, Ohio, Robert (Delores) of Caledonia, Ill., and Levi of Cedar Rapids; one sister, Arlene (Ralph) Day of Cedar Rapids; and Sparky, his faithful companion.

Wilbur was born Feb. 21, 1930, in Blanchard, the son of Robert and Valeria Ward Salzbrenner. Bill graduated in 1948 from McKinley High School, where he is remembered for being a star wrestler. He was married to the joy of his life of 60 years, Patricia Blochlinger, on Nov. 3, 1951, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. Bill received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Coe College after serving in the Army during the Korean conflict.

Bill was a family man who loved spending time with his family, especially playing cards. He also enjoyed fishing and going to garage sales every weekend. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Instead of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.teahenfuneralhome.com

Published Oct. 7, 2012 in The Gazette