Robert John Sladky

Madison – Bob Sladky, 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Capitol Lakes Health Care Center. He was born April 23, 1942, to Albert and Gertrude Sladky in Milwaukee, where he attended Mother of Good Counsel parish school. His education was heavily influenced by Jesuit theology at Marquette High and St. Louis University. Later he earned his PhD in Educational Administration at UW-Madison.

Bob worked in education as a teacher and administrator for 40 years, teaching in the Pine Ridge Reservation, DeForest and Madison Metro School Districts. He also enjoyed volunteering at Madison Memorial sporting events. He was a strong advocate for his students and their success. 

Bob felt his greatest accomplishment was his family. He was married to the love of his life, Kay Jarvis-Sladky, for 45 years. He was a proud father of two daughters and was overjoyed to be a grandfather of five. He taught his daughters the origin of potatoes with his famous potato-only garden. Baking pies and learning how to change a spare tire were important parts of his daughters’ education.

He was also an active member of Our Lady Queen of Peace. He enjoyed singing in the choir, chaperoning youth service trips, and participating in parish activities. Bob also was an avid fan of trains, traveling, and enjoying time with his family.  He was a fervent Badgers and Packers fan. He could frequently be found at a fish fry.

In his youth he was a dedicated Boy Scout.  As a young adult, he was a National Ski Patroller in the U.P.  Later he was instrumental in his first and final home by working actively with the architect on the design as well as staining, sanding, and varnishing the millwork, laying tile, and painting all rooms in the new house. The house was really The House That Bob Built.

 Road and train trips were family affairs.  Singalongs were a must, and meals in the diner were especially fun on the train. Bob and family traveled by train in the USA, Mexico, and Europe. Many of the train trips were captured with Bob’s photos of more trains than people.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents.  Bob is survived by wife, Kay Jarvis-Sladky, his daughters, Claire (Erik) Thingvold and Jane (Christopher) Sladky Valley and grandchildren, Olin, Aurelia, Gunnar, Isabel and Vivienne, his sister, Mary (Tom) Gramins, and brother-in-law, Tom (Linda) Jarvis. 

The family would like to express deep appreciation to the entire staff at the Capitol Lakes Health Care Center for their unwavering support, competence, and care for Bob at all times and especially during his final days.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am on Friday, September 1, 2023 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison. A visitation will be held one hour prior to Mass. A luncheon at church will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Madison Public Schools Foundation, Inc. for Special Education programs. https://schoolsmakemadison.org/.

The Mass will be live-streamed. Please use the following link: https://www.youtube.com/live/i7ICcf7I7Is?feature=shared

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406