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October 20, 1935 March 10, 2023
October 20, 1935 -- March 10, 2023

Kenneth George Slavik, Age:87

Kenneth George Slavik, 87, of Portland, OR (formerly Chicago, IL), entered into God’s kingdom on March 10, 2023 in Maui after a brief battle with Cancer.  He was born in 1935 to the late John Slavik and Mae (nee Strunksteins) in Chicago, Illinois.  
 
Ken, the most loving and devoted husband to the late Mary T. Slavik, father, and grandfather survived by his Son Kenneth and Daughter in Law, Mari, Grandchildren, Jessica, Kenneth and Michelle, Daughter Susan, Son in Law Robert and Grandson Robert Jr., Brother Donald and Sister in Law Patricia, and Partner Patricia Travis.   
 
Ken served our country in Germany as a Military Policeman and returned to marry the love of his life, Mary.  He received his bachelor's degree for Electrical Engineering and went on to enjoy a long career with Schumacher Electric and later paired this role with working as a part time realtor.  Ken and Mary raised their two children in Chicago.  He was a dedicated supporter of all their endeavors often being the only parent at baseball, basketball and swim meets cheering his children on in his suit and tie.
 
Kenneth was an accomplished athlete spending time playing competitive tennis in Chicago and perfecting his golf game with friends and family with golf being a great passion for him until the last months of his life. He also loved to fish with his friends and family creating wonderful memories and fish tales. 
 
Kenneth was dedicated to being the best at all he did.   He studied hard for whatever he wanted to learn and had many interests over his lifetime.  He was generous to share tips and tricks with all who would ask.  Ken even learned how to remodel to a 100 year old house and to make it lovely for his wife and children. 
 
Kenneth had strong convictions and rarely budged or altered these, especially when it came to taking care of his family.  He did what he could to support his Mother and Stepfather and stayed by Mary's side as her caregiver through her illness.   He was a man with a taste for style when he went out, always matching his outfits from head to toe.  
 
Kenneth was a great man who we will forever miss and hold close in our hearts. He was a selfless man whose passing left an unfillable gap in the hearts of his loved ones. 
 
Dad found a new life with Pat after Mary passed.  They traveled and shared the dream of moving to Florida to live in a golf course for a few years.  Pat wanted to be near her family in Portland and Dad, as a loving companion, agreed and moved there where they spent their last years together.  Her family loved having Ken in their lives, playing games and talking politics.   He also had the adventure of having his boat in the Columbia River fishing for Walleye.  He and Pat shared the dream of wintering in Maui, golfing and enjoying the beauty of the island.  It is also where he spent his final days surrounded by the amazing people who cared for him and his children.  
 
 
A memorial visitation will take place on Friday, April 21st, from 4-9PM at Cremation Society of Illinois - Olson Burke Sullivan Funeral and Cremation Center location: 6471 N. Northwest Hwy., in Chicago. Memorial Mass at 10AM on Saturday, April 22nd at Saint Juliana Catholic Church, 7201 N. Oketo Ave. in Chicago, to be followed by inurnment at Saint Adalbert Catholic Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, family requests donations can be made to American Cancer Society or Les Turner ALS Foundation.
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Condolences

Barbara Larkins March 31, 2023

Friend of Son, Ken & Mari East Fallowfield , Pennsylvania

Ken, Lou and I send our condolences and deepest sympathies to you and your family. We are so glad you were with him at the end. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May your dad Rest In Peace

Joe & Marlene Thoma March 31, 2023

Friend Coatesville , Pennsylvania

We are so sorry for your loss Ken. He certainly was a wonderful Father and husband. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Mike Mahoney March 31, 2023

Step-son (to Ken) Portland , Oregon

We missed you ❤️ Mike and Jackson (grandson)

Joyce slavik April 01, 2023

Niece Palatine , Illinois

Uncle Kenny and Aunt Mary are very much a part of the fabric of my life. Hugs and thoughts to sue and Ken.<3

Theresa Brian Steph Sam & Katie April 02, 2023

Uncle and Great Uncle Marietta , Georgia

Sending love and prayers for strength for the loss of your father to all your families. To celebrate the father, grandfather, husband, friend, brother, uncle, cousin, and all those things he brought to all of us. ❤️ To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.”

Patricia & Donald Slavik April 04, 2023

Sisterinlaw/brother Enter your city ,

So sorry for your loss Sue and Ken and Pat. I know that you will really miss him. I have found some pics of him and Don from when they were very little and am sending them to you. Anything that we can do to help ease your pain just let us know. When the weather is better we definitely want to give you a milkweed plant - When you see the butterflies flying know that they are sending love your way from your Mom & Dad. Love from Uncle Don and Aunt Pat.

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