Gilbert Salda'a
May 15, 1926 ~ April 4, 2016
Gilbert Joseph Salda��a, 89, of Cedar Rapids, died on Monday, April 4, 2016. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. on Friday, April 8, 2016, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by Rev. Ivan Nienhaus. Visitation: 5-8 p.m. on Thursday at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a vigil service beginning at 5 p.m. Burial with military honors at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Survivors include his wife, Evelyn; children, Christina Salda��a of Cedar Rapids and Vincent Salda��a of Iowa City; grandson, Jordan Gale of Iowa City; siblings, Josephine Delbridge of Cedar Rapids, Luci Heslop of Cedar Rapids, and Leo Lopez of San Francisco, California; and many nieces and nephews.
Gilbert was born May 15, 1926, in Joliet, Illinois, the son of Joseph and Rafaela (Juarez) Salda��a. He served in the US Army and was honored to take the Honor Flight just a few years ago. On June 11, 1955, he married Evelyn Romero in Cedar Rapids. Gilbert worked for 27 years as a machine shop operator for Iowa Manufacturing and Link Belt. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 909, American Legion Post 298, and VFW Post 788. Gilbert was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and love for his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Edmund Salda��a; and sister, Caroline Lopez.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
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My deepest condolences to Evelyn & the entire Saldana family. Gil always had a warm smile and big hug for us. He is the epitome of a gentleman and will be missed by everyone who knew him. Lifting you all up in prayer & sending our love.
Rosy (Martinez) White & family
Gil was a real gentleman. He and his lovely wife Evelyn were always there for everyone. Loyal friends to all. The Los Amigos Club gatherings and memories of happy wonderful dances and parties. Gil and Evelyn were such a wonderful couple. Intelligent, kind, charming, loving, hard working, . Real role models to us all. May God Bless Gil. May God Bless and comfort Evelyn , Christina, Vince and Jordan and the entire extended family in the loss of this wonderful gentleman. He was a great man.
We will never forget the incredble tribute his son Vince wrote to celebrate Gil’s life for his 85th birthday party. I know I have never heard such a heartfelt loving speech. Vince’s love for his Father and respect for the life his parents have given him by example and through their love for family and friends. The party was wonderful. Gil was his wonderful charming self, Evelyn a vision of grace and beauty as always. Friends and relatives from far and wide came together to celebrate a life of purpose. Hardworking, soft spoken, kind, dear man. Vince’s speech will forever be in everyone’s hearts. Echoing the respect and admiration of Gilbert Joseph Saldana.
Our deepest sympathy to Aunt Evelyn, Christina, Vince and Jordan. •Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
Love Gary, Debbie, Bo, Holly, Baya, Dayton, Nick, Melanie and Brandy Bouzek
Chris and family –
Our hearts go out to you at this difficult time. Find solace in your loved ones, and know that there are many that are thinking of you. Know that you are in our prayers at this time.
Denise & Jeff Upah
Our sympathy and prayers to the Saldana family. Lucy our thoughts and prayers to you for your loss of your brother.
Elena Murillo, Monica Morley
Evie, so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Julie Pflughaupt
Saldana family,….I am so very sorry for your loss. I moved away from CR in 1986. Gil was my landlord in a very traumatic time in my life (’84-’85). He was my landlord. So kind. Always a good word and spoke so often of his family. Worked so hard on his apartment buildings, he was always around fixing and making things better. I visit the CR Gazette often…name just jumped off the page. Wonderful man, and so memorable. I know he is watching you all from above.