Trudy Salvo

Trudy Salvo

January 31, 1948 – June 24, 2025

Born January 31, 1948, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Trudy was the third of seven children born to Eugene and Mary Patricia Wanning Waldmann. She was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, where she also attended elementary school.

Trudy began high school at Mercy High School in Omaha, later transferring to St. Albert High School in Council Bluffs, where she proudly graduated as part of the school’s first graduating class in 1966. She went on to attend Duchesne College in Omaha. Trudy was first employed at Northwestern Bell and later became a dental assistant for Dr. Mark Manhart and Dr. Charles Meyers in Omaha and Dr. William Gress in Council Bluffs.

In the fall of her senior year of high school in 1965, Trudy met the love of her life, JC Salvo. They were married on August 16, 1969, and began a beautiful life together that spanned nearly 60 years. Trudy was a devoted and loving mother to her four children: Carlo (“Carr”), Cassandra (“Cassie”), Nicole (“Nicky”), and Daniel (“Dan”).

After JC graduated from Creighton University School of Law, they moved briefly to Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he completed officers’ school. In 1972, they settled in Harlan, Iowa, where they established a law practice and raised their family for 46 years.

During their life in Harlan, Trudy was actively involved in church, school, and community life. She was a faithful member of St. Michael’s Parish, serving as both a cantor and guild member. She was involved in school parent groups, coached the swim team, and participated in numerous organizations and clubs including P.E.O., book review, literary club, bridge, investment club, quilting groups, and Chamber and Country Club events.

For over 15 years, Trudy also worked as a private academic tutor, guiding and encouraging students with the same heart and dedication she gave to her own children. Above all, Trudy was the heart and soul of her family — a devoted mother, adoring grandmother, and lifelong best friend to her husband, JC.

Together, Trudy and JC shared a deep and joyful bond, filled with love, laughter, family traditions, and adventure. They traveled widely — across the U.S., to Europe, Australia, Canada, and Mexico — as Trudy’s health allowed. They especially cherished their annual beach vacations to Sanibel Island and Fort Myers, Florida, surrounded by friends and sunshine.

Trudy passed away on June 24, 2025, with her family by her side. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Nicole Christine; parents, Eugene and Mary Pat Waldmann; in-laws, Carl and Rose Salvo; sister, Kate; and nephews, Joe and Tom.

She is survived by her husband, JC; son, Carr; daughter, Cassie, and husband, Will Schmidt; treasured grandchildren: Giovanni Carlo Boyd, Stella Nicole Boyd, and Dominic Henry Schmidt. She is also survived by her son, Dan; siblings; and countless extended family members and friends — including everyone she ever met.

VIGIL SERVICE: Sunday, June 29, 2025, at 5:00PM with VISITATION beginning at 2:00PM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Monday, June 30, 2025, at 10:30AM, St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific St.,  Omaha.

INTERMENT and GRAVESIDE SERVICE: Monday June 30, 2025 at 3:00PM, St. Joseph Cemetery, Council Bluffs, IA.

Memorials are suggested to Gilder Elementary School, Creighton Prep or Marian High Schools.

To view live broadcasts of the services, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.

Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com