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Gallery: Larry Saletzki WA9VRH

 

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It's my sad duty to report that former Collins Collectors Association Board of Directors member and volunteer Larry Saletzki WA9VRH became a Silent Key on Aug. 22.    Larry served as the history and archives manager for CCA and if you've used one of the manuals on the CCA website, chances are good that he scanned and uploaded it.     Larry also coordinated the First Wed. 75 Meter AM Net, and was an active participant in AM nets in the midwest as well as a familiar figure at Dayton and area hamfests.

A long time resident of Peoria, Illinois,  Larry and his wife relocated to the Dallas area in 2016 after being diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers.    His unique sense of humor was well known by those who stopped by his hamfest table or the "Taj" at the Peoria Superfest to chat, and those who were lucky enough to have enjoyed his trademark smoked prime rib will always remember it.    He loved Collins gear but he never met a radio of any kind he didn't like!   Larry was "a real character" and a great friend who will be deeply missed.


Larry J. Saletzki, formerly of Peoria, passed away on Monday, August 22, 2022, at Beehive Memory Care in Texas, at age 72.

He was born to Jacob and Marie Saletzki in Peoria, IL. He is survived by his wife, Genda of Texas; brother, Ronald Saletzki; sister, Sandra (Doug) Kleinschmidt of Texas; nephew, Paul (Denise) Saletzki of Washington state; niece, Jennifer (Cory) Legner of Texas; great-nephews, Aidan and Evan Legner of Texasl and many cousins. He is also survived by two of his beloved Maine Coon cats.

Larry graduated from Richwoods High School in 1968. It was there he was introduced to Amateur Radio (ham radio) by Industrial Arts teacher, Phil Mayer. Larry would obtain his ham radio license while in high school and would passionately pursue this hobby for the rest of his life.

Larry was a member of both the Peoria Area Amateur Radio Club and Heart of Illinois F.M. Repeater Club for 35 years. He held officer positions in both clubs over the years. He was chairman of the Peoria Superfest (now called Midwest Superfest) for many years. He loved antique amateur radio equipment and was heavily involved with the Collins Collector’s Association.

In addition to his passion for Amateur Radio, he was an avid pilot for many years, owning 3 airplanes during that time. He enjoying flying to the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI, to Florida and Canada for vacations and Saturday “airport hopping” in the Peoria area.

During his work career, Larry was a systems analyst for Xerox Printing Systems, Océ Printing Systems and Contract Distribution, Inc. He retired in 2014.

Larry attended Valley Creek Church. A private service will be held in Texas. He will be buried in a family cemetery in Knoxville, TN.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Posted online on August 25, 2022

Published in Peoria Journal Star

 

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Larry WA9VRH at Peoria Hamfest 2008 (center) with W9QI

Posted: 08/240/2022 (W9RAN)
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Larry with his tradmark smoker

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Peoria 2008 - Larry as wine steward, serviing W9QI

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WA9VRH with smoked prime rib

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WA9VRH and W9WRL

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Princeton 2010 Preparations

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WA9VRH

Posted: 08/240/2022 (W9RAN)