She graduated from Seymour High School in Seymour, Texas. In the mid-60's, Marie moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. She began working at The Royal Grove as a waitress where she met her husband, Gary. They later moved to a farm outside of Eagle where she was an amazing caregiver and pig farmer. Marie later worked as a cafeteria lunch lady at Lincoln Lutheran Middle/High School in the 2000's where she was known as "Sweet Thing" by the entire school community.
Marie will be remembered for her love of bowling; participating in bowling leagues at both Hollywood Bowl and Sun Valley Lanes, she also enjoyed antique shopping, car shows, visiting auctions and thrift stores, camping, and was known by her family to be a "professional garage saler." Marie's grandchildren will cherish the memory of the smell of Aqua Net hairspray as she got ready for her nights out and how she became a real-life Santa Claus during the holidays - spoiling everyone with gifts and cookie trays. Marie volunteered her time at People's City Mission Help Center. Most importantly, Marie will be remembered for being a cherished and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Marie is survived by her children, Nina Salazar, Shelly (Lantz) Smith; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and significant other, Delbert Eickhoff. Preceded in death by her husband, Gary Lantz; son, Joe Salazar III; grandson, Joshua Rainey.
A visitation for Marie will be held Sunday, December 15, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 South 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska. A funeral service will occur Monday, December 16, 2024 at 2:00 PM, 6800 South 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska. An interment will occur Monday, December 16, 2024 at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery, 6700 South 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.
