Following a courageous battle with cancer, Stanley F. Sladek, age 83, died on Saturday, August 29, 2015 at his home with his loving family at his side and under the care of Aspirus Hospice Services. He was welcomed into the arms of our Lord. He had recently visited with all his children and grandchildren.
Stanley was born in Merrill on December 27, 1931, to John C. and Sophia J. (Wiesneski) Sladek. “Ozz”, as he was known to his close friends and family, was a nickname given to him as a child by his Dad.
Stanley attended St. Francis grade school and Merrill High School, competing on the boxing and football teams. He served his country in the US Army from March 1951 until his honorable discharge from Fort Sill, Oklahoma in March 1953. Returning to Merrill, he met the love of his life, Leah Hirt, and they were married in Medford at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, on August 20, 1955. They recently celebrated 60 years of marriage. Stanley was a lifelong member of St. Francis Catholic Parish, Merrill.
Stanley worked at Anson Gilkey for 27 years, and then at Semco for 12 years, retiring from Semco in 1994. Stanley and Leah raised 4 children, the pride of their lives. They enjoyed summers at their cottage on Long Lake in the Harrison Hills, spending family fun time teaching their children to swim, water ski, boat and fish. Winters brought them back to the cottage for snowmobiling. Stanley loved his children, grandchildren and family most of all. He had a lifelong love of fishing, hunting, and Packers football. After retirement, he and Leah spent their summers “Up North”, fishing most of the lakes from Minocqua to Land O’Lakes, as well as in Canada—where the fish bite with every cast. John Wayne movies and WWII movies brought him relaxation and enjoyment. Stanley was able to fix most anything and was always ready and willing to help when asked.
Stanley (Ozz) will be greatly missed by his wife, family and friends.
Stanley is survived by his wife: Leah Sladek of Merrill; Children: Todd (Micki) Sladek of Greensboro, NC, Sheryl (Ed) Stanclik of Sussex, WI, Timm Sladek of Los Angeles, CA, Chad (Heather) Sladek of Salem, OR; Grandchildren: Allison and Abigail Sladek, of Salem, OR; Step-grandchildren: Melanie Stanclik and Rick Stanclik of Chicago; Brothers: John (Kathryn) Sladek of Merrill, and George (Mary) Sladek of Merrill; and many nieces, nephews, sisters- in-law and brothers- in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents, John C. and Sophia J. Sladek, and 3 sisters: Jeanette (Lyle) English, Helen (Alvin) Alft, and Antoinette Sladek (infant).
Funeral Services for Stanley will be held on Friday, September 4, 2015 at 11:30AM at Waid Funeral Home. Father Jim Horath will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 4, 2015 from 10AM until the time of the service, also at the funeral home. Burial will take place at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, in Merrill. Military Honors will be performed at the cemetery by the Merrill VFW Post #1638. Memorials may be made in Stanley’s name to the charity of your choice. Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.waidfuneral.com.