Steven "Steve" Roger Sladky

Steven Roger Sladky died at home on Thursday, August 31, 2017 from complications associated with COPD. 

Steve was born in Bemidji on August 19, 1946 to Roger and Marjorie (Werner) Sladky. He married Audrey Thompson in 1967; they divorced in 1995.  His job with Solar Gas Company brought him to Walker in 1968 to open that company’s local office. By the mid-1970s he had established himself as an independent operator in the ‘digger business.’ He would often remark that he was able to spend most of his adult life doing what every little boy in a sandbox dreams of – using big equipment to move dirt and driving trucks. Steve also enjoyed playing bass guitar in local bands for over 25 years. In 2000, Steve married Anne Grover and they became great traveling companions, visiting all of the lower 48 states. He dealt with end stage COPD with determination and grace, and despite the overwhelming limitations the disease placed on him, found great joy in most days during the last often difficult years of his life. 

Steven is survived by his wife, Anne; son, Warren Sladky, Minneapolis; brothers Jeff (Jean) Sladky, Brooksville FL; Tony (Mary) Sladky, Bemidji; and Todd (Kaye) Sladky, Burlington IA; three nieces, a nephew and two great-nephews. He shared a special relationship with stepson Graham Taylor, and enjoyed time spent with grandchildren Dylan and Mazzy Taylor and other extended and blended family members. He will be missed by Jack the cat and black lab Trixie. A special note of thanks to Ken and the staff of Sanford Hospice and especially Katie Lowe, PA-C, Sanford Walker Clinic for providing comfort, companionship and support.

Memorials can be directed to Sanford Home Care and Hospice 3201 Pine Ridge Avenue NW, Suite A, Bemidji, MN; Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org/development); or Concordia Cemetery Association (concordianews.org).

Visitation at Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home, Bemidji, from 5-7 p.m. with a time of remembrance at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 5, 2017. Interment will be in Concordia Cemetery, rural Glyndon MN with graveside services at noon Wednesday, September 6, 2017 followed by lunch at the church.  For those who would like to attend the burial, bus transportation is being provided from and to the funeral home, departing at 9:00 a.m. 

Online guestbook at www.olsonschwartzfuneralhome.com

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