William Campero Salazar, Sr. lovingly referred to as Willie, 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, January 10, 2019 in Des Moines. A Funeral Mass will take place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic church in West Des Moines with burial at Resthaven Cemetery. A visitation with the family will be from 5 – 7 p.m. with a rosary immediately following the visitation on Monday, January 14, 2019 at McLaren’s Funeral Chapel.
Willie was born on June 8, 1927 in Clarion, Iowa to Antonio and Martha (Campero) Salazar. Willie was very athletic and not only played all sports, but was gifted enough to letter in them. He graduated in 1947 from Valley and was the valedictorian, and received a monetary scholarship. On June 8, 1946 he met the love of his life and soulmate, Colleen Laughlin. In 1947 they were united in marriage and together raised 10 children. Willie once worked at Solar Aircraft where a part he designed was patented and put into use. He then moved on to John Deere and retired from Firestone. He was very creative, and handy, and had a knack for electronics. Willie was a hardworking man and had superior work ethics, as he would always do what was needed to get the job done. He enjoyed being a part of his community, and was an umpire for the WDM Little League, and enjoyed cheering on the Hawkeyes. During the Christmas holiday, it was tradition for Willie to read The Christmas Story to the whole family. He was a very sharp dresser, and was known as a man of character who loved music and dancing. Willie cherished his family more than anything. He loved God, his family, and his country.
Willie is survived by his lovely wife of 71 years, Colleen; his children, William Salazar, Helen (Dennis) Green, Ricardo (Bonnie) Salazar, Anita (Mathew) Spivie, Timothy (Margie) Salazar, Robert (Carol) Salazar, Christopher (Nicky) Salazar, Mary (Bob) Churchill, Joseph (Cindy) Salazar, and Mario (Melody) Salazar; sister, Tina (Tony) Encina; two fur babies, Ponchito and Trina; 95 grandchildren, great grandchildren, great, great grandchildren, and still counting; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, James; sister, Martha Limas; aunts, Lupe and Antonia Campero, and a granddaughter, Sarah Salazar.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com for the Salazar family.
