Manfred Paul Pelzer Jr.

Manni was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Manfred Pelzer and Hanne Pelzer. At the age of 16 Manni began to develop his passion for painting while being taught the trade by his father and working side by side with his brother. Manni was a paint contractor for 43 years, his talents took him all over the Western States and many would refer to his work as the best they had ever seen. Manni was so talented that he often mixed his own paint colors and stains from scratch. He could precisely match wood grains and antique finishes as well as faux finish, gold leaf and hang wallpaper. He was not only a Journeyman Painter, but a true Master of his Craft.

Manni married Debbie in 1981, they were married for 25 years and later divorced. They had two children Nicholas Pelzer and Brooke Traylor. In 1998 they moved from Salt Lake City, UT to Stevensville, MT. While in Montana Manni achieved his dream of starting his own paint company Manni Pelzer Painting and Decorating. In addition to working on Libraries, Public & Private Resorts, Manni had the opportunity to work on houses featured in The Parade of Homes and The Architectural Digest. He was always willing to utilize his talents and skillset to help family and friends. Manni returned to his home of Salt Lake City in 2007 where he continued working for himself and various contractors all over Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California, and Wyoming.

Not only was Manni a talented painter he was also an amazing cook. From custom decorated birthday cakes to hand rolled sushi or perfectly grilled steaks. He stayed true to his heritage cooking authentic German dishes which were his and everyone else’s favorite. He had always wanted to open his own restaurant where he could share his cooking with family, friends and anyone who was lucky enough to sample his culinary masterpieces. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, Nascar, outdoor concerts, and the Utah Jazz. He was an excellent skier both downhill and water and an avid swimmer who taught both of his children how to swim at an early age.

Manni enjoyed teaching his trade and cooking skills to anyone who wanted to learn. He was an excellent son, husband, father, brother, friend and always called just to check in. Manni was very social and made friends everywhere he went.

He is survived by his ex-wife Debbie Pelzer; son Nicholas Pelzer; daughter Brooke (Glenn Traylor); sister Terry (Leonard Dennison); father Manfred Pelzer (Hermi); niece Tiffany Dennison and Nephews Cody Dennison and Ian Pelzer, stepbrothers Tom & Mark Buervenich. He was preceded in death by his mother Hanne Pelzer and brother Conrad Pelzer.

The family would like to thank the Doctors, Nurses and staff at Intermountain Medical Center. Due to Covid 19 the Funeral Services will be limited to family members only. Services will be held at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Mortuary at 2:00pm on Monday 15 February.

In lieu of flowers, please email your favorite memories and/or photos of Manni to his daughter Brooke Traylor at [email protected] or his son Nick Pelzer at [email protected].