Donald L. Saltsman

Donald L. Saltsman, 80, of Peoria, Illinois, died Thursday, July 3, 2014 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 15, 1933 in Peoria, Illinois. He was the son of Grant L. and Mary A. (Hannamean) Saltsman.

He married Eva M. Schrai on April 24, 1954 in Peoria, Illinois. She survives.

He has four children surviving, Lynn Saltsman Gutierrez of Peoria, Illinois, Kathy (Mike) Vollmer of Bartonville, Illinois, Brad Saltsman of St. Charles, Illinois and Karen (Ethan) Lightle of Dunlap, Illinois. He has seven grandchildren, Angela Vollmer, Scott (Laura) Vollmer, Frank Gutierrez, Blake Saltsman, Eva Claire Saltsman, Maxwell Lightle and Bennett Lightle, one great grandson due in September and many neices and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one grandson, Joshua Lightle, one brother, Grant Saltsman and two sisters, Ardella Ward and Norma Morris.

Don was a Peoria City Firefighter from 1956 to 1984. He was the President of the Associated Firefighters of Illinois Local 544 for 12 years and was the Vice President for 4 years. He was the elected State Representative for District 92 from 1980 to 1996. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. He played in many softball leagues in his earlier years. Don enjoyed his family, especially his grandchildren, while sitting at athletic events and concerts. He was a member of the AMVETS Post 64, American Legion Post 979 in Bartonville, Retired Firefighters Association and the Retirees Softball Association. He was of the Catholic faith.

Funeral services will be Monday, July 7, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the Davison Fulton Woodland Chapel. Deacon Joseph LaHood will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-8 PM at the funeral chapel and one hour prior to the services on Monday. Burial will be in the Resurrection Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the OSF Children’s Hospital of Peoria. You may create an online condolence at www.davison-fulton.com.