Salzbrenner, Wilbur K. 'Bill'

Wilbur K. “Bill” Salzbrenner, 82, of 1124 Clifton St. NE, Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy after a courageous five 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. Friends may visit with the family after 9 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

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 from McKinley High School in 1948 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 .

Published in The Gazette Oct. 9, 2012.