Wayne Thomas Saltzman

Wayne Thomas Saltzman Wayne Saltzman, age 84, of Braidwood, IL, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Morris Hospital. Wayne was born on December 3, 1941, in Custer Park, IL, to Thomas and Audrey (née Williams) Saltzman Sr. On February 11, 1961, he married Geraldine Mae Bergera at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Braidwood. Wayne had a strong work ethic and steady leadership throughout his life. He worked as a meat cutter for Jewel food stores for 35 years, and later at Testa’s IGA, where he also served as Manager of the meat department for 10 years. Wayne was a devoted public servant and a true pillar for the Braidwood community. He served as President of the Braidwood Park District for 30 years, Mayor of Braidwood for four years from 2003 to 2007, and Braidwood Finance Commissioner for two years. He was also the chairman of the Lions Club Summerfest beginning in 1981 at its conception, continuing on for many years. During his time as Mayor, Wayne founded the Braidwood Food Pantry, an effort that earned him a Hometown Pride Award. He was also recognized as Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2017. Wayne was a Charter Member of the Braidwood Lions Club for 54 years and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus as well as the Braidwood Historical Society. Wayne was a longtime parishioner of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and served as an usher. Wayne enjoyed time spent golfing at Braidwood Rec with his son and longtime friends, Charlie Votta and Glen Fabian. He also enjoyed bowling and never missed a trip down to Kentucky with his friends and family. Every February, he looked forward to attending his carnival conventions in Riverside, FL. Wayne never met a stranger, and his friendly, welcoming nature left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He is survived by his wife; his children, Jeffrey (Shelly) Saltzman of Braidwood and Rita (Peter) Blackwell of Bloomingdale; his brothers, Richard (Barbara) Saltzman of Braidwood and Thomas (Kim) Saltzman Jr. of Dwight; his grandchildren, Alysha (Drew) Vickers, Samantha (Steve Tortorella) Blackwell, and Joseph Saltzman; his great-grandchildren, Sophia and Alice; and his special uncle and aunt, Curtis (Helen) Saltzman of Braidwood. Other survivors include his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Randy and Celeste Clark; many nieces, nephews; and many special friends, especially Pat Keenan and Josh Bolatto. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Joseph Brian Saltzman, in infancy. Visitation will be held at R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory in Braidwood, IL on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Braidwood. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Wayne’s name may be made to the Braidwood Lions Club or Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in recognition of his longstanding dedication to the Braidwood community. To share memories or offer condolences, please visit Wayne’s online guestbook at www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com or find us on Facebook. R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory 401 E. Main St., Braidwood, 815-458-2336 www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com

Wayne Thomas Saltzman

December 3, 1941 - December 12, 2025

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Wayne Thomas Saltzman

December 3, 1941 - December 12, 2025

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