John deSalme

John deSalme

Solon

John deSalme, 88, of Solon, passed away on Dec. 13, 2023, at the Birdhouse.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, at Lensing’s Oak Hill in Coralville. A prayer service will follow at 4 p.m.

John was born on May 12, 1935, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Orrin and Frances (Rogers) deSalme. After graduating from high school, he attended Del Mar University and finished his undergraduate degree at the University of Iowa in 1957. During the 1960’s John obtained two Master’s Degrees from the University of Iowa.

In 1958 he married Sylvia Haverlah and to this union, three children were born. The couple later divorced. He married Peg Brown in 1983 and they enjoyed many adventures together until his passing.

John had a long-standing career as an instrumental music teacher. He taught in Orange Grove, Texas, and Marengo, Iowa, before teaching for 35 years within the Iowa City School District, serving 25 years as the West High Band Director.

John had many hobbies throughout the years. Directing the Eastern Iowa Brass Band—now Iowa Brass—for 10 years was a favorite. He truly enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie that came with it! John also was an avid outdoorsman. He loved fishing, camping trips in the Rocky Mountains, canoe trips in the Boundary Waters and bike rides on beautiful trails all across the country.

John is survived by his wife, Peg; children: John (Erin Wyld) deSalme Jr., Rob (Nancy) deSalme and Suzanne deSalme; grandchildren: Heather (Tyler) Phillips, Amanda (Will) Hanson and Levi and Izak Kaiser; and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Dick (Joyce) deSalme, Tom (Judy) deSalme and Estelle Crawford and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Sylvia; nieces: Marti deSalme and Michelle Hunt; and his nephew, Ben O’Meara.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Bird House-Hospice Home of Johnson County, Iowa Brass, or a favorite bike trail.