William Salfen IV aka S.J. William Salfen, IV
Died peacefully at home Wednesday, January 8th, 2014 after three years care from Hope Hospice. Bill was 89 years old. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Mabel (Wilkins) Salfen, and son Bryan. Surviving children include Dr. SJ, V, Paulette, Billie S. Douglas, Owen and John and children-in-law Steve Marshall, David Douglas and Susanne Salfen. Also by his 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. His dear cousin Helen Schaller and feline companion Tommie.
Captain Bill Salfen enlisted in the US Army Air Corp in 1944 at the age of 19. He was the youngest US pilot in the European front. He was also a POW at Stalug 1 Barth, Germany until the end of the war. All of ‘his men’ preceded him in death.
He is a 69 year Founding member and first Captain of VFW Post 5077 O’Fallon, MO, 33 year volunteer at Operation Food Search St. Louis, MO and St. Mary’s Parish, Bridgeton, MO, and 17 year subject of Washington University Memory and Aging Study.
He donated his remains to that study and to Washington University School of Medicine.
Services: Memorial Service will be held Monday, February 3rd at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 601 North 4th Street, St. Charles, MO. Mass begins at 10:00 am and will be followed immediately by a brunch and stories about Bill’s life in the Parish dining hall. If you have questions please feel free to call or email Owen Salfen at 408-823-4472/oksalfen@gmail.com
Here is a link to a video where Bill was interviewed by a historian in Bridgeton. www.vimeo.com/48857770
SHARE THE STORIES THAT BILL TOLD YOU!Per his neighbor Denise’s suggestion, we are gathering all of the stories that Bill used to tell so that we can share them with others. If you want to share something about Bill, or a story that he may have told you, please email it to us at salfenfamily@igc.org In the subject line, please put the words WILLIAM TELLS. If we recieve your story by February 2nd, we will put it into a booklet that will be shared at his memorial service.
My condolences to the family of Bill. He lived a very full life and was truly one of the ‘The Greatest Generation’.
I have fond memories of your family visiting ours at our farm. What an impressive history Bill has. My sincere condolences to your entire family.
Billie & family Sorry for your loss. May you have comfort knowing that he has gone to a much better place.
My deepest sympathy to your family. I also remember our family get-togethers with fond memories. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
My deepest sympathy to your family. I also remember with fondness our family get-togethers. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
My deepest sympathy to Bill’s family. I worked with Bill at Hoppy’s for many years.
Sincerely, Pat and Pat Kennedy
Bill we be missed. It was always interesting listening to the stories him & his cousin, Elroy, (my dad), shared back & forth, not only their experiences in WWII, but growing up as well.
To the Salfen family, my condolences to you during this sad time.
Billie and all of the Salfen family – sorry to hear of your loss. The Salfen family name is slowly going down in history…one by one. Bill was one of surving few of his generation.
My condolences to the Salfen family on your loss.
I’m sorry to hear about Bill. I always enjoyed when Elroy (my Dad) and Bill’s families got together! It was quite a bunch! Bill and Mabel were special people.Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers!
My most sincere condolences to the Salfen family. My father was a tail gunner
on your father’s B24-J plane in WW II.
They were both POW’s in Stalag Luft 1 in Barth, Germany. We share a deep common bond of the Greatest Generation’s legacy.
I am most thankful for the wonderful gift of freedom they gave us. Special blessings to you at this sad time. I’m so glad I got to meet your parents.
My condolences to your family at this time. I had the pleasure of knowing Bill through my family’s funeral home while he worked at Hoppe’s. He and my Mom always shared stories of family about when they were grewing up. My Mom was an Orf from Josephville and they knew many of the same people in that area. Knowing that Bill had been a POW in Germany had always made an impression on me and I feel honored to have known him. May God be with you at this time.
Our condolence to the entire Salfen family. Bill will be missed (as Mabel has been). Bill & Mabel enriched our lives and it was a priviledge to be their neighbors for 37 years. We have many memories that we will cherish.
My condolences to your family. I am honored to have known your father, he was a true American Hero both for his military service and his service to people throughout his life.
Dear Billie and family-May you find peace and comfort in knowing your dad has joined Mable in everlasting happiness. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Bill, my Dad was full of life til almost the very end and there was no boring times in his life. He was a very interesting person he believes traval, history, family history plus he was stubborn as Missouri mule. THANK YOU to each of you for your kind thoughts. Dad and Mom are on their eternal journey dancing the jitterbug!