John Jacob Salsman "Happy" gained his Angel wings and joined his Heavenly Father on July 25th 2024. He was the son of Molly Katherine Cutelli (nee Girresch) and Edward Thomas Salsman. Stepson to Joseph Cutelli. Beloved brother of William E. Salsman, Robert T. Salsman, Stephen (Pam) Cutelli, Mark (Denise) Cutelli, and Christopher Cutelli. Uncle to Karen, Elenore, Edward, Stephen Paul, Gregory, Adam, Christy, Katie, Donna and Joey. Cousin to William, Theresia, Eva, Marie, Carol, and Timmothy.

John was considered a beloved member of the Willard Family. He was a best friend and brother to Steve & Christine Willard for over 47 years. A cherished Uncle to Amanda & Steven and adored Great Uncle to Madelyn, Makenzie, Kyle and Makenna.

John's doggies were his babies. Through the years he had Gypsy, Molly, Suzie, Dottie, Duke and Kaylee. They were spoiled rotten and we all joked that we'd love to be one of Uncle John's dogs.

John was born April 10, 1934. As a result of spending time in Lutheran Children's Home Orphanage, John was very passionate about giving. He donated to multiple charitable organizations for children, veterans, and animals. He graduated from Lutheran North Highschool, and was raised in Concordia Lutheran Church of Maplewood Missouri. He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church of High Ridge for over 30 years and served as a trustee for many years. John obtained his associates degree from Community College and many secretarial certificates though Saint Louis University. He proudly spent four years in the Marine Corps and retired from Burlington Northern Railroad after 30+ years as Chief Clerk to the Superintendent of the Railroad.

To know John was to love him. He absolutely loved the holidays. He was funny, silly, a dog lover, a friend to all, a man of Faith, a mentor, loved his Country and just an all around good person. He loved to fish, bake, spend time with family, garden, take his dogs for walks, and was always smiling. While battling with dementia he remained the same kind hearted, smiling man he always was. Happy, happy, happy as he would say. He will be missed dearly and our lives will not be the same without him.

A celebration of life will be held August 9, 2024 at 10:30am at Hope Lutheran Church of High Ridge. 2308 Gravois Road, High Ridge, MO 63049.

Interment immediately following at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.