James Sladek

James Sladek 87, of Ottawa, passed away Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family.

Honoring his wishes a memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation services have been accorded to Ottawa Funeral Home.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the wonderful nurses from OSF hospice for the kind and compassionate care provided.

Jim was born April 28, 1935 in Chicago IL.  To Tony & Irma (Krug) Sladek.   Jim married MaryAnn Dooner August 10th 1957 in Chicago and they were married 65 years.  

Jim was a lifelong Teamster who started his driving career for Klausen's pickles then Wanzer's milk.  He braved the blizzard of 67' to deliver his milk, when he reached an impassable street of stranded trucks and buses he walked to the local church and the nuns rounded up some alter boys and students and unloaded the milk onto sleds and delivered it to the church and orphanage.  He enjoyed camping with his wife and 3 sons where every  weekend we would pack the car and head to Glenwood Farms.  Dad enjoyed softball and had serious power the 16" Clincher softball wasn't soft when you played barehanded.  He was a excellent horseshoe player and enjoyed grabbing a six pack with his friends and finding challengers at the campground.  Jim moved to Ottawa in 1972 and went to work for Spicer Gravel until retirement.  But he really enjoyed watching his grandson Billy and granddaughter Laurens ball games. No one ran a Little League 50/50's like Jim he always had the biggest jackpots ..  In retirement he spent winters in Lake Placid Fl. where he volunteered at the Moose every Friday helping run the Texas Holdem games and of course the 50/50's  with his wife and son.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 65 years MaryAnn, his son's William & Derinda,  Tom & Vera and son Donald. His brother Don & Helen, Sister in law Ethel Sladek and grandkids William & Cali Sladek and Lauren Sladek and step grandkids Joey & Jacob Mcquery.  Great grandkids Lily, Liam & Logan Sladek and step-great granddaughter Taylor and numerous nieces and nephews. And special friend/ 4th son Wayne Polich. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Florence & Jack Rayhill, Vivian & Leo Czernak, brothers Tony and Bob and step granddaughter Robin McQuery.

Memorials to be directed to a charity of donors choosing.

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