Manfred Pelzer

In Loving Memory of Manfred Pelzer
March 3, 1942 – July 7, 2026
Manfred Pelzer passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026, with his beloved wife, Hermine ("Hermi"), his daughter, Terry, and his faithful Great Dane, Max, by his side.
Manfred was born on March 3, 1942, in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany. Shortly after his birth, his mother, aunt, and cousin were evacuated to Poland during World War II. Several years later, they settled in Großholzhausen, Bavaria, where Manfred spent his childhood and formed many lifelong friendships. As a teenager, he moved to Cologne to live with his grandfather.
From an early age, Manfred knew he was destined to become a painter. He possessed a remarkable eye for color and often mixed his own custom paints. He completed a three-year apprenticeship specializing in marbling and gold leaf application. During his journeyman years, he expanded his expertise to include wallpaper hanging and antiquing, developing the exceptional craftsmanship that would define his life's work.
In February 1961, Manfred immigrated to Salt Lake City, Utah. He married Hannelore, and together they welcomed three children: Manny Jr., Conrad, and Terry.
Thanks to his extensive training, strong work ethic, and exceptional skill, Manfred quickly established himself as one of Utah's finest decorative painters. He worked for local painting contractors, including Rimasch Painting, where he contributed to many historic and sacred buildings throughout Utah. His craftsmanship can still be seen today in the Salt Lake Temple, the Tabernacle, and the historic Hotel Utah, where his beautiful gold leaf work remains on display. One of his favorite memories was hearing the Tabernacle organist play "Happy Birthday" for him each year on the magnificent organ.
Manfred became widely known throughout Utah for his meticulous work in numerous LDS temples and churches.
In 1977, Manfred married the love of his life, Hermine ("Hermi"), and happily welcomed her two sons, Tom and Mark, into his family as his own. Following their honeymoon in Germany where he met his father for the very first time, he fulfilled another dream by establishing Manfred Pelzer Painting, Decorating & Wallpaper Hanging in Salt Lake City. As a licensed contractor in Utah, Nevada, California, Wyoming, and Montana, his reputation for excellence continued to grow. His work also extended beyond Utah, including wallpaper installation in the Veracruz and Guadalajara Temples.
Manfred took great pride in his trade and generously shared his knowledge with his sons, Manny Jr. and Conrad, who worked alongside him in the family business. He believed in doing every job with integrity, precision, and pride, passing on not only his skills but also his strong work ethic. When he would leave out of town, he would get a red ruby back for Hermi because it was his favorite color.
Although he faced significant health challenges throughout his life, Manfred never allowed them to define him. He suffered his first major heart attack at just 43 years old and survived a full cardiac arrest at age 68. He later lived with both a pacemaker and a defibrillator. He affectionately referred to these serious medical challenges as his "small ailments" and continued working and enjoying life with remarkable determination.
Outside of work, Manfred embraced adventure. He loved camping, dirt biking, street biking, hiking, skiing, and traveling and he approached each hobby with the same enthusiasm and determination he brought to his craft.
One of Manfred's greatest joys was cooking for the people he loved. A gifted cook, he prepared authentic German meals and loved exploring all world cuisines with the skill and precision of a chef. Family gatherings were made even more special by the delicious meals he lovingly created, and everyone looked forward to sitting around his table. Whether preparing cherished family recipes or trying something new, he poured his heart into every meal. For Manfred, cooking was another way of expressing his love, and those fortunate enough to enjoy his food will forever remember not only how incredible it tasted, but the warmth, laughter, and togetherness that always surrounded his table.
Above all, Manfred treasured spending time with his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was immensely proud of each of them and celebrated every accomplishment, big or small. His family was the center of his life, and the memories they made together will remain a lasting gift to all who knew and loved him.
Even in his final days, Manfred would confidently tell his family, friends, and doctors that he planned to live to be 102 years old. His spirit never gave up, even as his body grew tired.
Manfred was preceded in death by his first wife, Hannelore, and his beloved sons, Manny Jr. and Conrad.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Hermine ("Hermi"); his daughter, Terry; his stepsons, Tom and Mark; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and countless extended family members and dear friends whose lives were touched by his kindness, humor, remarkable craftsmanship, and unwavering determination.
Manfred's legacy lives on through the beautiful work he left behind in temples, churches, and historic buildings throughout Utah and beyond, as well as through the family he loved so deeply. He will be remembered not only for the masterpieces he created with his hands, but for the strength, perseverance, generosity, and love with which he lived his life.
Whether through the walls he transformed with his extraordinary craftsmanship or the meals he lovingly prepared around his family table, Manfred left every place, and every person, better than he found them. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

The celebration of life will be this Sunday, July 26th 4-6pm at 435 W 400 S Suite 100 SLC UT 84101