John Joseph Sladek

Dad went to Heaven on Wednesday, May 21, of this year to join Mom, family and friends.

John Joseph Sladek was born at home Sunday morning on February 17th, 1929, to John and Sophia (Wiesneski) Sladek and joined his sisters Jeanette and Helen. Later, two more boys joined the family, Stanley and George.

He grew up in the 7th Ward on Pier Street where he lived a “Tom Sawyer Life” swimming under the orange bridge (Pier Street Bridge), building a club house on the shore of the Prairie River with many childhood friends, fishing, hunting, riding icebergs, always getting into mischief with the gang. And with these childhood friends for life, they ended up building a hunting shack in the Newood area and hunted together for many years.

Dad saw Mom (Kathryn) at the Merrill fair and it was love at first sight for a very shy John.

He was drafted in the Army in 1951 for the Korean War – so before he left in service, he proposed to Mom – she said yes!! And then the love letter went back and forth – until he made it back home. (Which he had orders never to read them – LOL)

Dad came home in December and they could not wait to be married, so they were wed on January 10, 1953 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford, WI at 8:00 A.M. on a very cold winter day. They moved to a cute little upstairs apartment on Scott Street in Merrill. Soon they were blessed with Sandy, then John Jr. (Jack), Brian and Diana – yes 4 children in 5 years! They bought their home on N. State Street where the family grew up in a house of love.

Dad supported his family at Weinbrenner Shoe Company. His career at Weinbrenner was 45 years.

Their life revolved around faith, family, fishing and hunting. The family started camping up North for the best fishing lakes!!! Passing on the love of outdoors – hunting, fishing, camping to his family. Dad has had many, many successful fishing and hunting trips.

In the summer of 2020 Dad and Mom moved to Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill – or as Dad called it “The Home.” It's where he fell in love with his extended family who went above and beyond with care and LOVE. And took the time to listen to his many great stories.

John’s family would like to thank the staff at Pine Crest Nursing Home and Interim Hospice for the exceptional care of Dad. We want to thank the students of St. Francis Xavier Catholic School for all the awesome visits on Friday mornings with prayers and listening to his stories. He truly enjoyed the time with you.

John is survived by daughter Sandy (Brian) Nienow, son John “Jack” (Janie) Sladek, son Brian (Tammie) Sladek, and daughter Diana (Wayne) Zimmerman. Nine grandchildren – Holly (Donnie Duncan) Nienow, Christopher (Jennifer) Nienow, John III (Ann Marie) Sladek, Patrick (Talia) Sladek, James Sladek, Renee Sladek, Hanna (Chris) St. Clair, Sam (Emily) Zimmerman, and Olivia (Wade) Borchardt. Fourteen great-grandchildren, brother George (Mary) Sladek, and sister-in-law Leah (Stanley) Sladek.

John was preceded in death by his wife Kathryn, parents John and Sophia (Wiesneski) Sladek, sisters Jeanette (Lyle) English and Helen (Alvin) Alft, brother Stanley “Ozz” Sladek, infant sister Antoinette Sladek, and daughter-in-law Roxanne (Akey) Sladek.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Merrill. Father Maria and Deacon Jim will preside. Burial will take place in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at the former Waid Funeral Home 301 Eagle Dr., Merrill.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Francis Renovation, St. Francis School, or Lincoln County Sports Club.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Services of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.