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BORN
1957
DIED
2024
Michael Slavney Obituary
July 23, 1957 - October 7, 2024
Mike Slavney moved on to the next place on October 7, 2024. We don't know what he'll find, but he's sure to soon have it memorized, mapped, and color-coded for the best places to explore. He was born in Madison on July 23, 1957, to Madison native Morris Slavney and Emma Jane Newsom of Worthington, Indiana. He is survived by his close-knit family, along with many lifelong friends and colleagues. Mike's family was his greatest joy. Every day of the 42 years spent with his wife Linda was a blessing. Their children were able to grow up three blocks from Mike's childhood home on Madison's west side, and he found immense happiness in having his brother John and his wife, Peggy, back in Madison for the past 10 years. From 1992 to 2022, Mike served as an urban planner for many communities in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. He treasured his relationships with these communities and his colleagues at Vandewalle & Associates. He was recognized by the Wisconsin chapter of the American Planning Association for outstanding career achievement, and his peers honored him as a Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners in 2004.
Mike also left a lasting impact on the community he loved by serving on the Board of the Foundation for Dane County Parks since its inception, and for 10 years on the Board of the Groundswell Conservancy, where he helped negotiate the Nine Springs E-Way and County Park land acquisitions.
Mike leaves his wife, Linda K. Slavney, his children, Andrea J. Slavney, Natalia R. Slavney, and Daniel M. Slavney, and his brother, John D. Slavney (Peggy Braam). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at the Groundswell Conservancy (https://groundswellconservancy.org), the Foundation for Dane County Parks (https://www.foundationfordanecountyparks.org), and Madison Public Libraries (https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org). A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Slavney
Ann Freiwald
December 10, 2024
Sorry to hear this, Michael left behind a legacy.
Michael Allen
October 25, 2024
I had the privilege of knowing Mike both as a professional colleague and as a friend when lived in Sun Prairie. I had reconnected with him a few months ago after not seeing him for years and was very happy to see him. We shared stories about our now grown children, our retirement plans and it was just like the years when we saw each other regularly.
Sending my thoughts and condolences to Linda and the children
Gil Jevne
October 22, 2024
I was sorry and shocked to read the news of Mike's passing. Mike and I knew each other through V & A and SAA and collaborations on several projects in the Midwest. Always a smile and such a nice guy. I'm sure he'll be dearly missed by friends, colleagues and family. RIP Mike.
Mark Roffers
October 21, 2024
Mike was always generous and patient with his time and knowledge. It was my great pleasure and to my great advantage to have worked with him for so many years. His humor will also be remembered; the jokes were funny even on the 5th telling! Warmest wishes and deepest condolences to Linda and their kids.
Rachel Holloway
October 18, 2024
My condolences go out to Mike's family and friends, he will be greatly missed. I can only say positive things about Mike. He was a thoughtful professional with so much care for the communities he served, and was very generous with his knowledge and advice. A wonderful mentor!
Jason Valerius
October 18, 2024
Mike was a thoughtful and skilled planner, and a strong supporter of the Wisconsin planning profession. I always, always enjoyed talking with Mike and I am sad to know that his mentorship is no longer available to us.
Sue Frankey
October 17, 2024
Linda I am so sorry about Mike. It was so wonderful to see you last June for Rich's celebration and to hear Mike passed so soon after was shocking. I am so happy we were able to spend a bit of time last summer. The cookout was wonderful. My sympathies again to you and your family.
Bonnie Liptak
October 16, 2024
You have my condolensces, I am the new Village Clerk for Fontana - one of the communities Mike served and we all took a moment to recognize his passing.
Bless you and your family.
Bonnie Liptak
Jeanne Carpenter
October 15, 2024
Mike was a kind and generous mentor to so many of us working and volunteering in municipal government. He guided the Village of Oregon through decades of change and helped steer our community in a positive, sustainable direction. He was one of my very favorite people to have at the table. I will miss him so much.
Dan Miller
October 15, 2024
Mike was a wonderful person. I'm so sorry for your loss.
M
October 14, 2024
As a slightly-younger person in this profession, Mike has always been a legend. And even though we never worked together closely, he always reached out with kindness in every interaction. I will miss his perspective, his kindness, and his passion for giving back. If I have tenth of the career he had, I will be a lucky person. And if we all had a hundredth of the care for community he had, the world would be an immeasurably better place.
Jackie
October 14, 2024
My sympathy to Mike's family. I only knew him as the planner for the Village of Mount Horeb and can say he was instrumental in guiding the village to become what it is today. He was well respected and liked by all.
Wally Meyer
October 14, 2024
Sadden to hear about Mike. Thinking of his brother John and sending prayers to the entire family.
Dave Cieslewicz
October 13, 2024
I worked with Mike in several capacities over a couple of decades. Beyond being a great professional, he was an immensely likable person. I respected his judgement and enjoyed his company.
John and Judith Hutchinson
October 12, 2024
Mike will be missed in the non-profit environmental space! It was great being his friend and working with him at Groundswell. Condolences to his family.
John and Judith Hutchinson
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