Robert Bruce Slivensky

MARQUETTE, MI - Robert (Bob) Slivensky, age 98, passed away peacefully at the Trillium House in Marquette, Michigan on January 19, 2024 with the loving support of his family, the staff at the Trillium House and also Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice.
Bob was born on October 12, 1925 in Crystal Falls, Michigan, the son of the late Alex and Victoria (Turzak) Slivensky, the youngest of 12 children. Bob had many fond childhood memories growing up in Crystal Falls including fishing/swimming in Bristol Creek, going to the movies on Saturdays at the Crystal Theater, bringing in the milk cows into their barn at night, riding his bike out to Fortune Lake in the summer and later building camps with his family and friends. He also enjoyed many years of deer hunting at the Slivensky camp located near the backwaters north of Crystal Falls and attending family cookouts at his brother Louie's cottage on Deer Lake near Amasa.
During high school and after graduation, Bob apprenticed with local carpenters to learn carpentry. During World War II he aided in the war effort by building gliders in Kingsford for the Ford Motor Company. In 1947 he moved to Detroit and worked for Budd Wheel, Chrysler, and Briggs Manufacturing until 1950 when he was drafted into the Korean War. After his service he enrolled at Michigan Tech in Houghton, Michigan and graduated in 1957 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
On August 31, 1955 he married Dolores Randell from Laurium, Michigan. After graduation from Michigan Tech, Bob and Dolores relocated to Saginaw, Michigan where he worked for many years at US Graphite Company and she worked as a nurse for St. Luke's Hospital. It was there in neighboring Bridgeport that their 4 children were born and Bob had 2 houses built. In 1965, he felt the call of God and put his faith in Jesus. As a result, he served faithfully at First Baptist Church of Bridgeport and later at First Baptist Church of Iron River, making many lifelong friends.
Then in 1973, feeling the desire to be closer to their families, Bob and Dolores moved the family to the Upper Peninsula in Iron River. There Bob was employed in construction estimating and later in building materials and carpentry. It was in Iron River that Bob and Dolores were blessed to purchase 5 acres just outside of town where they planted gardens, an orchard, built a hoop house and made maple syrup in the spring. This home became the setting for many wonderful memories for their kids, grandkids, and friends. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, rock-hounding, gardening, and woodworking. Bob was a talented furniture maker and had his own ash and black cherry milled up for projects. He also built many fine pieces of Adirondack furniture.
In 2017, having enjoyed the "farm" for more than 40 years, it was time to downsize and so Bob and Dolores moved to Marquette to enjoy the parks along Lake Superior. In 2023, Bob moved to Mill Creek Commons in Marquette to live with his son Steve and to receive extra care from the Veterans Administration Health Care System. Special thanks from Bob's family are extended to Dr. Heidi Fletemier and Kirk Mathews at the VA Marquette Clinic and Northern Homecare Services.
Bob is survived by his wife Dolores of Appleton, WI., his children Steve Slivensky, Marquette, MI; Susan Yeska, Battle Ground, WA; Bruce (Jackie) Slivensky, Appleton, WI; Julie Lynch, Wimberly, TX; his grandchildren Bethany (Logan) Owings, Samantha Yeska, Jordan Lynch, Jay Lynch, Daniel Slivensky, Abigail Slivensky; his great grandchild Elle Owings; and a host of wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. He loved his family and wanted the best for all of them. He will be remembered for his easy-going nature and willingness to lend a hand.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services of Marquette is assisting the family. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held next summer for family and friends at the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Crystal Falls, Michigan. The family requests that any memorial contributions be sent to the Trillium House, 1144 Northland Drive, Marquette, MI 49855.
Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com