Elmo Alton Salsman

elmo salsman

Elmo Salsman, 94, of Wyanet, Illinois passed away Monday, May 16, 2022 at Liberty Village after a brief illness.

Elmo was born January 1, 1928 at Tiskilwa, Illinois the son of Hobart and Gertie (Farmer) Salsman.

He married Betsy Hale on Spetember 1, 1984 in Princeton, Illinois. She survives. He is survived by two brothers, Charles of Walnut and Robert of Peru. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Ruby Baker, a brother, Coye, and a nephew, Duane Salsman.

Elmo was widely known as a private pilot and flight instructor at Piper Airport in Princeton. Elmo taught a vast number of flying students during his time at the airport. He was employed, for many years, with the Burlington Northern Railroad as a station agent and also as a co-pilot for the railroad's company prop jet. He ended his flying career at the age of 89. Elmo retired from the City of Princeton as a Class A water operator.

Anyone with a brief, Elmo story, that they wish to read at the funeral or submit for reading may contact Grant-Johnson Funeral Home.

A visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, May 20, 2022 at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home, Princeton. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home with Pastor John Erickson, officiating. Burial will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery in Wyanet, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Tri County Humane Society, the Tiskilwa Historical Society, or Donor's choice. Online condolences may be sent to www.grant-johnsonfh.com. 

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  1. Dearest Betsy, Please know our hearts are with you, and your family.. Elmo and the airport will forever be part of special childhood memories for me.. And I will forever be grateful to ‘Uncle Mo’ for giving my Dad the gift of flying… We send you love, comfort, and strength for the coming days… With love and our condolences.. -E&J

  2. Dearest Betsy, in our thoughts we are with you. Elmo gave me many formative moments I will never forget. He taught me how to fly and how to drive car. You and him allowed me to stay with you in my holidays back then.
    All those memories are very precious and unforgettable for me.
    We are sorry, that we can’t be with you in these hard days.
    With Love and our condolences from Germany, Natalie &Bert and the complete Frey-family

  3. The only time I went upside down in a plane was with Elmo at the helm. Thank you, for being such an important mentor to both my father Hubertus and by brother Bertram who both had flying lessons with you. That red Cessna plane with you next to it is the most fitting image and certainly how I will remember you.

    Lots of love and heartfelt condolences to Betsy and all your loved ones.

    Fly well. All the best from one of your German friends who now waves to you from Sydney/Australia.

    Eva with Gerard and little Clara

  4. Dear Betsy!
    Accept our condolences and know, that we will never forget Elmo. He will always Rest In Peace in our hearts and soul. Our friend has gone, but we will always and forever cherish our precious memories, we had together with you, dear Betsy, and Elmo.
    Love
    Hubertus and Dorle


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