Carolyn Salger

Carolyn Salger, 78, of Salem, passed away at her home on November 15th, 2025. She was born to Wilbert and Lillie (Wagner) Busche in Sparta, IL, on March 4th, 1947. She married the love of her life, Junior Salger, on June 15th, 1968, and they spent 57 beautiful years together sharing their lives. She had an abiding faith in God, and was a dedicated member of Salem Lutheran Church, where she and her husband raised their children in His word. For 48 years, she was active in the church, where she sang in the choir, played handbells, and cooked meals for Bible study breakfasts and funerals, among a host of other services to her church family.
Carolyn was a loving wife and mother, dedicated to her children and grandchildren above all else. She relished her time with her family and was happiest when her house was full and "all the kids were home." She lit up every time she saw her grandchildren, whether in person or virtually. She had a ready smile for everyone and could talk to anyone about anything. She enjoyed cooking for her family and loved ones, and voraciously researched new recipes to try from her myriad collection of cookbooks.
As a younger person, Carolyn was an avid softball player and bowler, playing on several traveling teams. She spent many summers with her husband and children in the backyard garden growing vegetables for their meals. She was a lifelong reader, with a well-worn Salem Public Library card and a substantial collection of dog-eared books. She shared a life together with her husband, through the good and the bad, through the birth of children, and the death of parents and siblings. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
Carolyn is survived by her husband: Junior L. Salger of Salem; son: Scott Salger and wife Kelly of Holly Springs, NC; daughter: Amanda Calvert and partner Brian Pelletier of St. Louis; grandchildren: Jasper Calvert and Lillie Salger; two sisters: Mary Lou Goetting of Chester, IL, and Loretta Mae Eggemeyer and husband Virgil of Joliet, IL; two brothers in law; three sisters in law; and 19 nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents: Wilbert and Lillie Busche; and brother: Wilbert Ray Busche.
A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, November 19th, 2025, at 11:00 am at Salem Lutheran Church with Pastor Ethan Hart officiating. Burial will follow at Paradise Cemetery in Steeleville, IL. A time of visitation will be held from 9:00 am to the time of service at Salem Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Salem Lutheran Church or the American Diabetes Association and will be accepted at the service or at the Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home, PO Box 97, Salem, IL 62881. Online condolences may be left by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Sutherland-Rankin Facebook page.