Elmer H. Saltz

NORFOLK – Memorial service for Elmer H. Saltz, 85, of Norfolk will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at the First United Methodist Church in Norfolk. Pastor Neil Gately will be officiating the service. Inurnment will be held at a later date at the McCoy Cemetery, rural Meadow Grove. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service on Tuesday also at the church. Elmer passed away on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at the Columbus Community Hospital in Columbus. Stonacek Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Elmer was born at Brunswick, NE to Norman and Augusta (Johnson) Saltz on Dec. 1, 1937. He lived with his family at rural Plainview before moving to a ranch at Page, when Elmer was in the 8th grade. He graduated from Page High School in 1955, went to summer school and began teaching at age 17. He continued his education at UNL and Wayne State College, receiving his BSE degree from Wayne. While teaching and attending college classes at UNL he boxed in the Golden Gloves, was a member of the Army National Guard for 7 years and received his honorable discharge in 1964. While attending Wayne State he completed several hours of pilot training and did his solo flight there. While attending WSC he met his wife, Barbara Fuelberth, and they were married on August 17, 1963 at First Congregational Church in Hartington following their graduation. They both taught in Las Vegas, NV; Elmer for 2 years and Barbara for 1 year. Their first son, Gordon was born in Las Vegas. Elmer continued his education and received his MNS from USD at Vermillion in 1970. He taught science at Plainview High School and was then hired by Norfolk Public Schools as Math and Science teacher at the Sr. High School in 1967. His second son, Mark, was born at Plainview. Elmer retired from NPS in 1993 and then taught science at Norfolk Catholic High School for 3 years. He then went to Northeast Community College and became an adjunct teacher of math for another 3 years and retired after 35 years of teaching. He lived in Norfolk with his family for 10 years and then moved to an acreage near Norfolk and lived there until his death. His first love was his family followed by teaching. He spent much time each summer ranching, working with his tractors, and doing considerable reading. Elmer worked hard to be sure his students were working to their fullest potential. Elmer is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barbara, son Gordon (Jackie) of Blair, and son Mark (Sheila) of Columbus; granddaughters Shelby (Zach) Czarnick, Lydia Saltz, grandsons Dalton Saltz and Nicholas Saltz, also 2 great-granddaughters, Analeis and Emma Lou Czarnick, brother Harlan (Kay) Saltz of Oklahoma, nieces, nephews, and sister-in-law Glenda Saltz. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Lois Sehi, and brother Duane. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

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Elmer H. Saltz

December 1, 1937 - September 20, 2023