Robert “Bob” E. Slaby

Robert “Bob” Edwin Slaby, 80, died peacefully, Wednesday, September 20, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Robert was born January 29, 1943, in Arcadia, to the late Edwin and Adeline (Waldera) Slaby. Bob graduated from Independence High School with the Class of 1961. He then proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1961 – 1965. Bob married Jean Manka, May 30, 1966.

He spent most of his working career as a carpenter and home builder. Bob enjoyed spending his time fishing on the pontoon boat with Jean during the summer, and loved to hunt in the fall for squirrels, mushrooms and deer. He had a true love for working on and restoring old tractors. Of course, John Deere was the only kind of tractor for him. Bob was a proud and active member of the local American Legion. He was especially proud of being part of the color guard firing squad.

Bob is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jean; his children: Bobbi, Scott and Steve (Lisa); grandchildren: Val (Rob) McCormick, John Olinger (Carol), and their boys: Masyn and Makade, Jordan and Scott Slaby; Rachel and Tessa Slaby; and great-grandchildren: Camilla and Maverick McCormick.

He is also survived by his brother, John (Jean) Slaby; his sister, Ruth Sonsalla; his sisters-in-law: Jane Sosalla, Joyce Klimek and Kathy Manka.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Adeline Slaby; and Jean’s parents, Lonnie and Eleanore Manka; his brothers-in-law: Wayne and Bob Manka, Ed Sosalla, Vince Klimek and Jim Sonsalla.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at Holy Family Catholic Parish in Arcadia. Family and friends are welcome for visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at church. Burial will be at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery in Arcadia.

To express condolences to his family online, and for more information, please visit www.wozneykillianfh.com.