Joseph Slezak's Obituary
Mr. Joseph Slezak, age 84, passed away Friday, October 30, 2009 at home. He was born November 17, 1924 in Muskegon Heights to John and Mary Slezak and resided in the area all of his life. Joseph was a Veteran of the U.S. Army serving his country in the European Theater of Operations in WWII. He was enlisted in the 180th Infantry of the 45th Division Thunderbirds, who participated in the battles of Rome/Naples and Southern France, the landing at Anzio beachhead and the liberation of the Dachau Concentration Camp. His regiment saw 511 active combat days, more than any other unit during the war. Joseph was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge and Presidential Citation Ribbons along with 5 Bronze Battle Stars. Joseph worked for Sealed Power for 35 years as a tool maker before retiring. Joseph was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed spending time at their trailer on Sauble Lake. On September 18, 1948 he married the former Gladys Kuzniar, and she preceded him in death on September 8, 2009. SURVIVORS include two sons, Gary (Carla) Slezak and Dennis (Kimberly) Slezak both of Fruitport; four grandchildren, Joel, Jodie and Cari Slezak and Jamie (Rob) Thompson; sister, Katie Badham of Salem, OR; sisters-in-law, Gladys Kitchka and Mary Kitchka both of Muskegon, and Katherine Kitchka of Nunica. Joseph was also preceded in death by his daughter, Peggy Slezak-Leech in 1979; and 9 siblings, Paul, John, Emery, Charles, Steve, and Sam Kitchka, along with sisters, Anna Bzdelik, Mary Kitchka and Christine Server. Visitation with the Slezak family will be Monday evening from 5-8 PM at The Lee Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 6291 S. Harvey St. 231-798-1100. The funeral service will be held 11 AM Tuesday at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 11261 South St., Nunica with Rev. William C. Lahrman officiating. Burial will take place in Mona View Cemetery with the military honors provided by the Muskegon County Council Honor Guard and the Michigan National Guard. Memorial Contributions to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church will be appreciated.
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