Joe Slazyk

JOE SLAZYK FORMERLY OF HAMMOND, IN After a short, intense battle with cancer, Joe Slazyk, 77, has begun yet another great adventure. On October 1, 2008, he died peacefully, surrounded by his family in Minocqua, WI. Joe was born on January 5, 1931 in Hammond, IN. Joe attended Hammond Technical High School and then enlisted and proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was a maintenance mechanic for Lever Brothers- Hammond Plant, where he worked for 40 years. Joe married Maxine Ryzewski on September 19, 1953 and they enjoyed war and peace (mostly peace!) for 55 years. They owned and operated the Dari-Topper Drive In in Hammond for 10 years and raised two children: Carol and Dave. They eventually retired on Lake Gogebic and also enjoyed wintering at their home in Barefoot Bay, FL. Joe was a vibrant man who lived his life with integrity and who filled it with hard work and good fun. He enjoyed fishing on Lake Gogebic for many years as well as golfing with friends in Florida and Michigan. He was a loyal Chicago Bears fan and loved tinkering in his garage, woodworking and gardening (peonies, tulips and marigolds). For many years Joe was president of the Lake Gogebic Improvement Association. He was a life member of the American Legion, a member of Isaac Walton League and the Moose. Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Maxine; their children: Dave and Carol and her partner, Jamie Alexander. He was "PapaJoe" to his granddaughter, Melissa. Also surviving is his sister, Dorothy; his sister-in-law, Dee Shourek; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by his brother, Frank. In accordance with Joe's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal services. The family will be celebrating and honoring Joe's life at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gibault School, Gibault, Inc., 6301 S. U.S. Highway 41, P.O. Box 2316, Terre Haute, IN 47802-0316. The family is being served by Lakeside Memorial Chapel, Inc., Wakefield, MI (906) 224-6851.