Robert E. Sladek

Obituary

Robert “Bob” Sladek, husband of Judy, traded his earthly home for his Heavenly home on the evening of December 16, 2025. Bob was born on July 9, 1937, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. He was the third child of Edward and Rose –Ruth, as printed on his birth certificate! (Preslicka) Sladek. Bob and family lived a nomadic lifestyle in his early years. His first home was in Bovey, Minnesota. After around five years, the family and pet dog, "Butch", drove to a farm home near Olivia, Minnesota. They resided there for a bit, before moving to the Hector farm area. As a youth, Bob farmed, raised sheep and was employed at the Johnson Hardware Store and Ray Hughes Funeral Home. Bob was a graduate of the Hector High School class of 1955. After graduation, his family moved to rural Cosmos, Minnesota.

Bob was a homebody and didn’t care to be too far from home. As a result, on June 6, 1960, Bob enlisted in the Army National Guard of Minnesota, in Olivia, to avoid being drafted and possibly sent to the far corners of the world. He was honorably discharged on June 5, 1966, achieving the rank of Sergeant.

Bob worked at Zins Oil Station in Cedar Mills, Minnesota. During this time, roller-skating was popular and the “Hector boys” would often come to Ted’s Roller Rink in Hutchinson, Minnesota. It was there that he met Judy Hoff and after skating around there for a while, they decided to get married–mostly because there was nothing better to do!

On August 4, 1962, Bob and Judy were united in marriage in Hutchinson. After their marriage, they resided at 516 Glen St. in Hutchinson, and he worked at Magnuson’s Home Builders until becoming employed at 3M. Their son, Glen, was six months old when they purchased a one-acre property in the Lake Jennie area near Dassel, Minnesota. About two years later, their precious daughter, Corrine was born; followed by another bundle of joy, daughter, Linda. After 13 years, Bob purchased a hobby farm north of Cedar Mills so he could once again raise sheep…along with his family.

Bob was employed at 3M in Hutchinson, working his way up the ladder from supply man to Maintenance Supervisor. He retired in 1995, after more than 30 years at 3M.

Bob was a member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Hutchinson, where he served as an usher/head usher, Trustee, as well as on several other committees. He was a past chairperson of the Safety Club at 3M, supervisor on the Cedar Mills Township Board, life-long member of the Hutchinson Hospital Auxiliary, and was both the vice president and president of the Sanborn Lake Association in Backus, Minnesota, where he was a cabin owner for over 51 years.

Bob loved building things from nothing, woodworking, repairing most anything and everything as nothing went to waste. He enjoyed garage saleing where he found many bargains for “only a dollar” –many were free because they didn’t work! He LOVED Allis Chalmers tractors and collected a fleet of these treasures over the years. He never saw a tractor or tool he didn’t like. Bob also hunted, trapped and fished as he had a strong passion for the great outdoors. Wherever he roamed, safety was always on the forefront. “ABC–Always Be Careful” was his mantra and he used it frequently. It would also be his wish to say, “It’s no problem,” when it most likely was inconvenient; "You'll never catch fish at noon,” when he didn’t want to go fishing; and, “Let me shake your hand!” when you did something wonderful. Breakfast was not to be skipped, you ate lunch at noon and supper at 5:00 PM with many snacks, (especially cookies and cake) in between.

“Have a good day, what’s left of it.”

Bob is survived by his:
Wife, Judith “Judy” Sladek of Cedar Mills, MN,
Children, Glen Sladek and his wife Roxanne of the Hinckley, MN area;
Corrine McCloud and her husband, Tim of Cedar Mills, MN;
Linda Vanderwerf and her husband, Scott of Shakopee, MN
Grandchildren, Mariah (Alex) Cleppe of Marshall, MN, Gavin McCloud of Hutchinson, MN, Eli Sladek (Kaylee Hansch) of Hutchinson, MN;
Great Grandchildren, Connor John and Kaison Lane Cleppe;
Siblings, Rose Marie, Jack, Jim, Barb and Nancy;
Many in-laws, nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends.

Bob was welcomed home to Heaven by his Parents, Edward and Rose Sladek; Brothers, Don and Gerald; Sisters, Janet and Pat.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the VA, Ecumen Hospice of Litchfield, the care team at Hutchinson Hospital, Pastor Randy and Bethlehem United Methodist Church congregation.