David James Salrin

David James Salrin, 82, of Peoria, passed away on May 29, 2025, at Richard L. Owens Hospice Home. He was born on October 15, 1942, in Minnesota to James and Donna Salrin. He married Suzanne Short on August 16, 1985, at their home in Laura, IL. She survives, along with their daughter, Ellie Salrin of Los Angeles. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Donna, his sister, Barb Johnston, and brothers-in-law Dave Johnston, Mike McSimov, and Harold Fuson. He is survived by his sisters, Judy Fuson, Kathy (Phil) Borland, and Bonnie McSimov, and their families, sisters-in-law, Julie (Randy) Henderson and Karen (Bret) Johnson, and brother-in-law, Chris (Susan) Short, and their families. Dave was also greatly admired by his mother-in-law, Nancy Burdess. Dave graduated from Limestone High School in 1960. He then worked with his father at Salrin Excavating. In 1964, he joined the U.S. Navy. His first assignment was in Key West, FL, where he attended torpedo school. He was then stationed in Mayport, FL, serving as a Gunner’s Mate Missileman (GMM3) aboard the U.S.S. Charles R. Ware. His deployments included cruises to the Mediterranean, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Guantanamo Bay, and he passed through the Panama Canal on his way to Vietnam in February 1967. Dave was honorably discharged in October 1967. He went on to work at United States Cold Storage for 33 years, serving as Chief Engineer until his retirement in 2000. Dave’s hobbies and passions included fishing and mushroom hunting with his daughter, trap shooting, attending the Indy 500 and Daytona 500, and deer hunting in Pope County for 50 years. He also dedicated many hours to volunteering - working alongside his aunt, Alice Salrin, to clean up the pet cemetery in Springdale, assisting with local running events alongside his wife, and preparing meals in support of motorcyclists participating in the St. Jude Rides. Dave and Sue lived nearly 30 years at their home in Dunlap, IL, where family and friends often gathered to enjoy the yard and pool that Dave cared for with precision… and, of course, to eat his famous fried fish! He leaves behind him a legacy of love and many cherished memories. A special thank you to Dave's friends - Bill Ludolph, Bill Hurst, Rick Wieland, Joe Mullineaux, and Art Lindsey - who called, visited, and did their best to continue being a part of his life. Sue and Ellie invite family and friends to a celebration of Dave’s life on Sunday, June 22, from 4-6 p.m. at the American Legion, 4501 S Airport Road, Bartonville with military honors being rendered at 5:00 p.m. Dinner will be served. There will be a private graveside service at a later date at Dickison Cemetery in Dunlap, officiated by Dave’s wife and daughter. Memorials may be made in Dave’s name to St. Jude Rides, 4722 N Sheridan Road, Peoria, IL 61614, or to the Bartonville American Legion.

David James Salrin

October 15, 1942 - May 29, 2025