Harley J. Slezak

Harley Slezak turned 100 years old on May 25 of this year and passed away on Friday, November 19, 2010. He was born in Oxford, Iowa, on May 25, 1910, son of the late Joseph and Ota (Potter) Slezak. He married Dorothy Barton in 1933, and in 1936 they relocated from Iowa to Appleton and established the Good Housekeeping Shop, a local business that they, and subsequently their son, operated until 2008.

Harley was very proud to be a member of the Appleton Masonic Lodge #349 and the Beja Shrine and was a supporter of Shriners Hospitals for Children. Many will remember Harley for his love of the outdoors – he treasured his time trout and perch fishing, deer hunting, or just spending time at his cottage on Little Sturgeon Bay.

He is survived by three children: Charlene (Jerry) Backus of Nekoosa; Jim (Ann) Slezak of Appleton; and Jo Rohm (special friend Bob Owens) of Appleton; four grandchildren: Diana (Kirk) Schneider, Tami (Mike) Plonka, Jim (Jean) Slezak, Jr., and Sarah (Ron) Saari; seven great-grandchildren: Max and Veronica Kovach, Jacob and Mitchell Slezak, and Jack, Taylor, and Aaron Saari; three sisters: Neita Cochran of West Branch, Iowa; Edna Hirte of Oshkosh; and Cleota Studt of Iowa City, Iowa; as well as many nieces, nephews. Harley was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, a brother Clyde (Sally) Slezak, a granddaughter Rachel Rohm, and a son-in-law Art Rohm.

The family would like to express their extreme gratitude to the compassionate staffs of Heartwood Homes in Appleton and Heartland Hospice.

A social gathering will be held on Tuesday, November 30, at Tri County Chapel from 4:00-6:00 PM. The funeral service for Harley will follow at 6:00 PM with the Reverend Steve Nickel officiating. Interment will be in Highland Memorial Park at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Twin Cities or Chicago Shriners Hospital for Children.

Wichmann Funeral Home
Tri County Chapel
3212 S. Oneida Street
Appleton, WI 54915
920 831 9905