Search by Name

Search by Name

THOMAS SLANINKA Obituary

Thomas "Tom" Frank Slaninka, 72, of Oakwood Hills, entered into eternal life, Friday, April 29, 2011. Tom was born on July 8, 1938, to Emil and Elsie, nee Rehak, Slaninka, in Chicago, IL. He is survived by his wife, Merle, nee Singer, of 50 years; children, Laura (Tom) Healy, Julie (Mark) Nystrom, Chris (Matt) Hintz, Carrie (John) Wagner, Nancy (Paul) Forster; grandchildren, Eileen, Kerri, and Liam Healy, Jack, Kate, Brett, and Brian Nystrom, Renee Hintz and Jason Hintz, Jessica Wagner and Mark Wagner, Nick Forster and Andrew Forster; brother, Richard (Marilyn) Slaninka, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 3, from 3 to 9 p.m., at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, May 4, at 10 a.m., with a visitation one hour before service, at SS. Peter and Paul, 410 North First Street, Cary, IL, 60013, interment to follow at Windridge Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 651 W. Washington Blvd., Suite 400, Chicago, IL, 60661 or www.lls.org. For information, please contact Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake, IL, 60014, 815-459-3411.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on May 2, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for THOMAS SLANINKA

Not sure what to say?





Carin Jelinek

May 7, 2011

Tom was such a great friend and mentor to me. He gave me much guidance when I needed it the most while working in Supply Chain Management at Motorola. I was sorry to hear of his passing as he was an inspiration to many. Take hold of the memories you have made together so they may comfort you in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Carin Jelinek

Kate McHugh Hunter

May 6, 2011

My name is Kate (McHugh) Hunter. My father,(Kevin C. McHugh) too, is one of the finest men I have ever known. His predilection toward true friends is discriminating. I simply wanted to let you know what he told me a few nights ago about Mr. Slaninka. "Tom was my oldest and best friend from Motorola. He was my mentor and my boss many times. He was one of the nicest, best man I ever knew." May God bless & keep you all at this sorrowful time.

May 3, 2011

Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Ed and Delores Kowalczyk

Kathy Olsen

May 3, 2011

Tom was the person who first offered me a position in my current field of Supply Chain. His guidance led me to a career that I thoroughly enjoy, and I'm eternally grateful for his guidance. I can remember a number of his sayings, though I think my favorite was, "If it was easy, anyone could do it!". I'm sad at Tom's passing, but thinking of him still makes me smile! My thought and prayers go out to the entire Slaninka family.

Keith Soldner

May 3, 2011

Tom was a friend and coach for me at Motorola. I'll always remember his his perpetual smile, warm personality, and the insightful guidance that he gave to me.

Dolores Durkovic-Thomas

May 2, 2011

On behalf of my sister, Dorothy, and my brother, Daniel Durkovic, please accept our sincere condolences.

Donna Nolen

May 2, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

Make a Donation
in THOMAS SLANINKA's name

Memorial Events
for THOMAS SLANINKA

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support THOMAS's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor THOMAS SLANINKA's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more