John F. Slavsky

The lives of many became quieter and less humorous as John “Jack” Frank Slavsky Sr. passed away in his home surrounded by family, to be with his Lord and savior on Wednesday, October 28, 2015. John was born in Chicago, Il, on July 29, 1935, to Grace (Johns) and John F. Slavsky. He attended Pewaukee Zion Schools and Waukesha High School. He graduated Suma Cum Laude with a BS in Business and Institutional Management from Michigan State University where he was active in the Color Guard. After graduation, he worked for Fred Harvey Restaurants in Cleveland, OH, and Chicago, IL, where he met his wife Grace (Severino) at Chicago Union Station. Eventually transferring to Eau Claire, John worked for the UW-Eau Claire system as a food service manager before trying his hand at sales. A born salesman and entrepreneur, John was an award winning financial and insurance agent with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for ten years. After he retired he sold floppy disks and computer games for Commodore 64’s. He adapted his inventory as technology changed, selling VCR tapes and eventually CDs. For the last ten years, he sold costume jewelry as “John the Jewelry Guy,” enthusiastically peddling his baubles at local craft shows and flea markets. In addition to selling, traveling - especially cruises - was his passion. He and Grace enjoyed over fifty cruises, several of which were around-the-world. They visited the Taj Mahal, Antarctica, Russia, and even enjoyed an African photo safari. He loved to cruise. John was an active volunteer donating many hours as a Cub and Boy Scouts Master, hunter’s education instructor, a snowmobile safety instructor, the Elk Creek Lake Rehabilitation manager. He also volunteered at the State Theatre, Red Cross and as an election poll worker. He also donated generously to many local and national charities. John leaves behind a legacy as a strong family provider, a sense of adventure, and an insatiable sense of humor. His great joy in life was to simply make people laugh. John is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Grace. He leaves behind his children, Denise (Patrick) Sprunk, Michelle Nevans, Jacqueline Cronin, and John Jr. (Tanya) Slavsky. He is also survived by his brother, George Slavsky. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Chasina Drake, Olivia Robinson, John Cronin, Mariah Cronin, Liam Cronin, Sophia Slavsky, Grant Slavsky and Joshua Sprunk. The family sincerely thanks Dr. Sakti Chakrabarti, Dr. Michael Rentzepis, the entire Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic Hospice, and Visiting Angels for their dedicated and thoughtful care. A celebration of John’s life will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2015, at the WEST CHAPEL of Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 1405 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire, with Chaplain Bruce Fredrickson officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. followed by a joyful ceremony at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials in John’s honor are requested to the Eau Claire County Humane Association, 3900 Old Town Hall Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701. A final request is that adult males be checked for prostate cancer early and often.

Service Information

Visitation

Saturday, October 31 2015
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral & Cremation Services West Chapel
1405 North Clairemont Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703

Celebration of Life

Saturday, October 31 2015
2:00 PM

Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral & Cremation Services West Chapel
1405 North Clairemont Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703