John E. Salzer

John E. Salzer, 76, of East Peoria, unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Carle Health Methodist Hospital with his family by his side. He was born in Peoria on August 28, 1949, to Trevlin and Margaret (Edwards) Salzer. On December 6, 1974, he married his wife of nearly 51 years, Barbara Ervin, in Peoria; she survives.

Also surviving are his three children, Tracie Crawford, Kristie (Scott) Garver, and Joe (Kelly) Salzer, all of East Peoria; 2 brothers, Bob Salzer and Phil (Nancy) Salzer; 5 grandchildren, Justin (Elizabeth) Hulva, Brittany (Caleb) Turnquist, Chase Crawford, Maria (Josh) Jewell and Brandon Phillips; and 5 great grandchildren, Jayden and Ryland Hulva, Remington and Gauge Turnquist, and Joey Jewell.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Sheila; brother, Dick; and one infant brother.

John graduated from East Peoria Community High School with the Class of 1967, then went on to earn his degree in engineering from Bradley University. From 1973 to 2009, he worked with Peoria Local 649 of the International Union of Operating Engineers.

John was a lifelong member of St. Monica Catholic Church in East Peoria and a member of Msgr. E.L. Grzybowski Council Knights of Columbus where he served in many capacities including Grand Knight from 1997 to 1998. He was also a member of the Fourth Degree Spalding Assembly 0206. In 2012, John was awarded the highest honor in the Peoria Diocese as a Knights of Columbus, with the award of Knight of Knights. John was also one of the original founders, organizer, and chairperson for the drive-through Folepi Narrated Nativity in East Peoria.

Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services in East Peoria. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Monica Catholic Church on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 10 a.m., with visitation from 9:30 until the time of service. Father John Steffen will officiate. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memory Gardens in Morton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Mary, Mother of God Parish. Online condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.