Obit: Slupski, John L. (1931 - 2014)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Slupski, Abbruzzese, Felton, Persak, Swenson, Riddle, O’Connell, Petry

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co, WI) 9/17/2014

Slupski, John L. (30 May 1931 - 10 September 2014) With Flag

John L. Slupski, age 83, passed in his sleep from a broken heart on September 10, 2014. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Paula (Abbruzzese) Slupski; beloved mother, Julia Slupski; father, Louis Slupski; brother, Dan Slupski; sister, Rita Felton; numerous uncles, and especially Uncle Frank Persak.

He is survived by sister, Jeanette (Bob) Swenson; many loved in-laws, nephews, nieces; and his four children: sons, Dennis (Rene), John-Paul (Terri) and Nick Slupski, and daughter, Julie (Jeff) Riddle; grandchildren: Caleb, Luke and Josh Slupski, Danielle (Matt) O’Connell, Aaron, Zack and Adam Slupski, Jacob and Gabe Slupski, Levi and Audrey Riddle; great-grandchildren: Josephine Paula O’Connell, Samuel Matthew O’Connell, Wyatt Paul Slupski and another due in October.

John was born May 30, 1931, in Thorp, Wisconsin. John was a standout athlete and actor at his high school, to which he was always loyal. He was drafted into the United States Air Force to serve as a jet mechanic during the Korean War. It was during training at Rickenbacker (Lockbourne) AFB that he met his future wife, Paula, on a blind date. They were married for 58 eventful years. With Paula, he raised his children, owned John Slupski Masonry, and later co-owned Silver Rule Masonry, doing jobs big and small all over the United States. He served over 25 years in the U.S. Navy Reserves and retried as a Seabee Petty Officer. He coached baseball and football at St. Matthias, and later St. Anthony schools, and influenced many young men to be persistent and tough in the face of life. He liked to watch his kids and grandchildren in sports and hardly ever miss a game. He was always there to support his family. Above it all, he loved his wife and never got over her passing away in 2011. Together they built two homes in western Montana, and lived there and in Ohio for many years. They traveled all over the country, having adventures and enjoying life.

He will be sadly missed by friends, classmates, fellow veterans, co-workers and relatives. But he will be most dearly missed by his four grieving children, who he loved unconditionally. His saying was, “If I had to live life over, I wouldn’t change a thing.” He lived large, loved deeply and gave generously. There will not be another like him.

Friends called Monday, September 15, 2014, from 3-7 p.m., at the John Quint Treboni Funeral Home, 1177 W. 5th Avenue, Columbus, OH. Funeral Mass 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, September 16, 2014, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 1300 Urban Drive, Columbus, OH. Rev. R. Thomas Petry presided. Burial with Military Honors followed at St. Joseph Cemetery, Lockbourne. Friends and family were asked to gather at the church for his funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the John and Paula Slupski Memorial Scholarship Fund at St. Francis DeSales High School, 4212 Karl R., Columbus, OH, 43224.

Condolences may be sent via www.johnquint.com.