Kenneth Slifka

Kenneth L Slifka was born on December 27, 1943 in Cresco, IA, son of Michael L. and Velma M. (Womack) Slifka. He was raised and attended school in Cresco. After graduating from Cresco High School in 1962, Kenneth moved to Charles City, IA to work at Oliver. It was in Charles City that Kenneth met Mary Martin. On October 2, 1965, Kenneth and Mary were united in marriage in Charles City. Kenneth served in the US Marine Corp during the Vietnam War. Kenneth and Mary moved to Waterloo where Kenneth worked for John Deere. In 1977 they moved to Grundy Center. Kenneth continued to work for John Deere until 1983, when he was forced to retire due to medical problems. He continued to remain active in politics and the community working with the Lion?s Club, American Legion, NE Iowa Substance Abuse Board, Grundy Center Recreation Department and the Center Theater Board. Kenneth was very involved in Boy Scouts on the local, district and state levels. Kenneth received the George Meany Award for Outstanding Service to Youth. As busy as he was in the community, Kenneth still was very involved in his childrens sporting events and family camping trips. Kenneth was an avid outdoorsman and animal lover. He was a member of Duck Unlimited and Phesants Forever. Kenneth was an accomplished trap shooter earning many awards. Kenneth was a contributing member of the CAP Committee of the UAW Local 838 where he served as a Committee Man and a Steward.

Surviving relatives include his wife, Mary or Grundy Center; one son, Keith (Edie) Slifka of Cresco; two daughters, Jennifer Buseman of Hudson, IA, Jill Slifka of Waterloo, IA; three grandchildren, Hunter and Whitney Slifka, Jared Harn; two brothers, Max (Grace) Slifka, Martin Slifka all of Cresco; two sisters, Kay (Robert) Albertson of Waterloo, Michaeleen (Darrel) Riehle of Cresco; brother-in-law, Charles Stanley of Stafford, TX; sister-in-law, Harriett Slifka of Cresco; many nieces and nephews.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Stuart Mintey; brother, Keith Slifka; sister, Marilyn Stanley.