Joseph L. Sladky

Joe was born in Wahoo, Nebraska. He joined the US Marine Corps in 1952, serving during the Korean War as an aircraft mechanic. After serving active duty in the Marine Corps, he joined the Nebraska Air National Guard until 1960. Joe married the love of his life, Clarice Kudlacek, in 1957. Starting his family on a farm in Wahoo. The family moved to Omaha in 1963 when Joe became an agent for American Family Insurance. The insurance business took him to Colorado where his family lived in Arvada for 3 years. They returned to Omaha in 1972 where they continued to raise their family. Joe switched careers and worked for Harding Glass, where he had insurance agents and others as his clients. Joe decided to retire and work part-time at Ace Hardware in Ralston. His part-time job lasted 18 years and he loved every day of it. Joe was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a Commander at Post 373 of the Ralston American Legion, and served 28 years as a District Finance Officer. Joe joined the Papillion Eagles and spent his final years as a proud member of the FOE. There wasn’t a thing Joe couldn’t fix or do. Joe was a true family man. He always put everyone’s needs in front of his own and never complained. He was a genuinely loving and caring person that would do anything to help. He enjoyed boating, fishing, playing cards, vacationing with his family, and taking road trips around the country with Clarice. His favorite pastime was relaxing on the deck and reminiscing with Clarice about their wonderful life together. Joe and Clarice were married 66 years, had three children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He was and will always be loved by his family and all his friends. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Mathias. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Clarice; children Christine (Bruce) Sebesta, Barbara (Roger) Grap, and Russell (Julie) Sladky; grandchildren Michael, Garrett (Lacy), Taylor (Alex), Lane, Madison; great-grandchildren Praline and Addie; brother Bernard (Emily) and Richard (Sandy); sister Mary Ann (Anthony) Osmera; many nieces, nephews, family and friends.