Jerome Salzman

Jerome (Romy) Salzman left this Earth on December 7th, 2016 to join his dearly-loved parents and a bounty of friends and relatives who have been eagerly awaiting his arrival in heaven. He valiantly challenged Cancer and COPD until his quality of life waned to a degree that he no longer could enjoy the life he had tended for 80 years.

Romy was an avid outdoors man and loved working on his many projects, especially his beautifully landscaped back yard and multi-tiered fish pond that he and wife of 16 years, Linda (Whiting) Salzman, created together. He was an artist and handyman – he never ceased to come up with yet another creative use of the gourds he planted for many a year, and there are many yards which will continue to display the wooden lawn figures he gifted to friends and relatives. He taught his children how to get the most value from things with a little bit of duct tape, wire and fatherly wisdom and ingenuity.

His music bands (Silver Stars, and later Diamond Lites) were a highlight in Romy's life, and his music filled dance halls and wedding receptions for many years. His parents, Anton (Tony) and Edna (Hanke) Salzman spent many Saturday nights dancing with their friends to Romy's music, with his father often concluding the night with "Thatta boy, Romy." A self-taught accordion player and natural singer, he thrilled at seeing people enjoy the polkas, waltzes, and later country and popular songs he played with his 3 and 4 piece bands. He continued this love of making and sharing music through his years of playing at Sherwood Forest campground where he spent many a summer with his second wife (Mary Eggebrecht) Salzman (deceased), and singing karaoke. Family and friends will remember the laughter and hours spent in his garage singing through Holidays and celebrations.

Romy loved jokes, laughter and children. Every child he spent time with ended up with a unique and funny variation to their name, as he loved to tease in a goodhearted way. There was not a joke that he did not find worth telling...or hearing, and no costume too outrageous to be worn for Halloween or to get people to laugh. His good naturedness, a Salzman trait to be sure, lead to easy friendships with most everyone around him. He wanted to ensure that all the health care providers, including those at the VA, in Hospice and Mount View Nursing Home, would be remembered after his passing for their excellent care. Even during his last days, he shared his gratitude with them and wanted them to know what a good job they did.

With a strong work ethic taught by his parents Anton (Tony) and Edna, Romy entered the Navy in his late teens, serving for 3 years. He worked in general laborer positions and as a manager at Clean Towel Services, and in later years, Bay Towel and Johnnie's Service Station. He became a much beloved pub owner when helping shake up Colby when he created Romy's Bar and Grill. He passed this vibrancy and value of working hard in life to his children, with several owning their own businesses thanks to his imparting the importance of contributing and earning one's way in life while also having a good time. In his later retirement, he continued to work with his son, Richard, chopping wood on his land and helping his son in his business.

Romy will be missed dearly by his wife, Linda, by his adopted children Richard (Carol) Salzman, Noreen (Marv Anderson) Salzman, Connie Rosenau (adopted children with Nancy Groshek-Salzman), and stepchildren he raised as his own, including Brandon (Rachael) St. George, and Brian St. George. Tammy and Paul Jaecks far surpassed "stepchild status" and remained cherished friends to the very end. David and Ken Foreman, along with adopted child Nataschia Salzman were very important in Romy's marriage to Linda. A "dad" to many children, Romy and Linda also served as foster parents for many in Marathon County.

Reared with 4 siblings, Romy held a special place in his heart for his youngest sister, Elaine (Lenny) Lang, who stood solidly beside him during the last difficult year of his life, his brothers Roger (Pat) Salzman and James (Joyce) Salzman. Romy's nieces and nephews, who also loved him, are fondly remembered here. His sister, Carolyn preceded him in death, as did his parents and nephew Mike Salzman.

And to all the grandchildren, great grandchildren and special children (especially his "Little Shadow") in "Papa's" life....take heart. As sad as he was for leaving all of you without being able to know and be a part of your lives from henceforth, his final breath was released when he remembered that he will now be able to watch over you forever.

A Remembrance of Romy's life will take place at Helke Funeral Home, Saturday, December 17th. Visitation 9:30 – 11:00 am, Service at 11:00 (conducted by Pastor Duane Jass of Good News Church, Mosinee), with lunch immediately following. And per his wishes, dress is "whatever you want...just come as you are."

You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.