George "Bud" Salzman

Through the life he lived each day George Salzman inspires us to live life on purpose while holding fast to that which defines us. It was clear to see that he was defined by both his strong moral convictions and his unwavering faith that was lived out through his service and selfless love toward those around him. George was a hardworking man who made it clear that his most priceless treasure was wrapped up in the many branches on his family tree. A true patriot, loyal friend, and devoted family man, George leaves behind a shining legacy that will be carried on by those who follow him.

The Roaring Twenties were a vibrant time in America filled with advancements in both the business and industrial sectors that were changing the way we lived our daily lives. Amidst this colorful decade was the year 1925 that was filled with noteworthy events of its own such as the invention of Scotch tape, the founding of the Chrysler Corporation, and the first presidential inauguration heard over the airwaves when President Calvin Coolidge was sworn in. This same year was a year to remember for one young couple from Manteno, Illinois, as they were thrilled to announce the birth of their healthy baby boy on October 1st. Baby George was the third and youngest son born to his parents, George W. and Ruth (Blatt) Salzman, and was raised in the family home alongside his brothers, William and Paul. When he was two years old he moved with his family to the family farm where he was raised throughout the rest of his formative years. As is often the case farming was a family affair for the Salzmans, and George began doing his part using the horses to help with the farming. He also attended local schools including Manteno High School where he was captain of the football team. George, or Bud as he was often known, went on to graduate in 1943, and he remained in touch with many of his classmates throughout the rest of his life.

By the early forties the eyes of our nation were focused on the hostilities overseas with WWII, and after the vicious attack on our naval base at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the war arrived on our doorstep. During the war George worked at Joliet Arsenal.

New and exciting changes were in store for Bud when he met the young lady who stole his heart. Her name was Beverly Jean Girard, and they met in the church choir in 1948. A dating relationship ensued, and the couple later fell deeply in love. With a desire to build a life together the couple became husband and wife on October 5, 1950, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Kankakee. As newlyweds George and Bev attended evening classes at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago together. The couple was later thrilled to welcome three children into their hearts and home: Beryl, Tim, and Christine. There was nothing Bud loved more than being a father, and he was an active part in his children’s lives. When they were younger it was their father who sang, prayed, and read with his children before putting them to bed in the evenings. Bud’s children all proudly recall their father as a rock in their lives who mentored them and led them all to a personal relationship with the Lord. He always had a loyal dog that was like another member of his family, and he was very close to all his animals.

Throughout his life George worked as a dairyman and grain farmer on the farm he had lived on since he was two. It has been said that the only thing he loved more than watching the corn grow was watching his children grow! Bud took great pride in his work, and in 1978 he sold his herd of Holstein cattle. As a true tinkerer at heart he never called a mechanic when something needed fixing around the farm as he could fix all of his own farm equipment and tractors when needed.

In addition to his family George’s faith played a vital role in his life. He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church where he served the Lord in many capacities including as a Sunday school teacher, choir member and as the baritone of the Melody Makers quartet, deacon, building committee chairman, as a co-chair of the pairs and spares group with his wife, and also as a member of men's fellowship. It wasn’t just Bud’s church that was important in his life of faith as he was also involved with a variety of Christian organizations including Trinity Academy, Youth for Christ, Child Evangelism Fellowship, and Christian Business Men.

There were so many things that George enjoyed through the years. He was a proud member of the community he called home throughout his entire life, and he was well-known in Manteno, too. Bud loved golfing with his friends who together called themselves “the duffers” as well as with his son and grandsons. His love for tinkering extended from the equipment on his farm to cars and clocks from the time he was a young boy. Photography was another one of George’s hobbies, and he lived to capture the moment behind the lens of his camera. During their retirement years he and his wife began traveling quite extensively throughout the United States and also in Europe and New Zealand. Bud was a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International and a member of various organizations including the Old Car Club of Kankakee River Valley and Gideons International. Additionally, he was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels for many years.

A man who greatly impacted the lives of those around him, George Salzman was a gift in the lives of many. It has been said that grace was his constant companion, and as his friends and family can attest he was unwavering in his convictions. Bud will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

George Salzman died on February 22, 2012. George’s family includes three children and their spouses, Beryl Freeburg of Manistee, MI, Tim (Jodi) Salzman of Kenmore, WA, Christine (Charles) Tindell of Lake Villa, IL; eight grandchildren and their spouses, Nathan (Malia) Freeburg, David (Elizabeth) Freeburg, Peter (Kelly) Freeburg, Leigh (Ben) Shocki, Jonathan Salzman, Hannah Salzman, Catie (Steve) Mickletz, Candice Tindell’ one great-grandchild, Finley Freeburg; brother, Paul Salzman of Chebanse; and many nieces and nephews. George was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly Salzman; his parents; brother, William Salzman; and sister-in-law, Lillian Salzman. Visitation will be at Schreffler Funeral Home in Kankakee on Friday, March 2nd from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday at Immanuel Baptist Church from 10-11 a.m. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 3rd at Immanuel Baptist Church in Kankakee with the Rev. Hank Roso and the Rev. Tim Jessen officiating. Burial will be in Kankakee Memorial Gardens. The family suggests that those wishing to remember George consider a gift in his name for: Pacific Garden Mission, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Bible Witness Camp, North American Baptist Conference, Immanuel Baptist Church, Moody Bible Institute, or Bethel University. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.