John Slobodnik (1909-1999)

John Slobodnik, 89, Withee, died Friday, June 4, at the Clark County Health Care Center Hospice Care in Owen. Funeral services were held Monday, June 7, at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Withee with Rev. Paul Petersen officiating.

Burial took place in the Town of Maplehurst Cemetery. Pallbearers were Mike and Bill Stock, Randy and Bruce Slobodnik, Tom Volk, and Dan Szpara.

Maurina Funeral Home of Owen assisted the family with arrangements.

John Slobodnik was born November 22, 1909, in New York to George and Julia (Harmon) Slobodnik. As a young child, he returned to Czechoslovakia where he received his education. He returned to the United States when he was 18 years of age and worked for the US Steel Company in Gary, Ind.

On March 1, 1930, he married Clara Kristel. They moved to the Town of Maplehurst and farmed there from 1947 until retiring in 1972. He continued to live on the farm until entering the Clark County Health Care Center in March 1997. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and his artistic talent for sketching.

He was a supervisor for the Town of Maplehurst for many years.

He is survived by two sons, Richard (Dolores) and Larry (Carol) Slobodnik, both of Withee a daughter, Dolores "Dolo" (Herbert) Stock of Owen, Clark County, WI 14 grandchildren 20 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Clara on September 17, 1993 and a granddaughter, Roxanne Slobodnik in 1956.

Source: STAR NEWS, June 9, 1999