Grace C Slifka

Grace C. Slifka, 81, of Cresco, Iowa passed away on April 6, 2017 at Gunderson Health System, La Crosse, WI.

Grace Catherine Lukes was born November 26, 1935 to Rudolph and Albina (Riha) Lukes in Chickasaw County near Protivin, Iowa. She attended St. Rudolphinium High School where she was a star player on the women’s basketball team. After graduating in 1954, Grace fell in love with Max Slifka. They were married on October 6, 1956 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. She became the proud mother of four boys and filled her days making her home a special place for family. She found delight in gardening, canning, and creating a baking repertoire that included kolaches, chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal raisin cookies.

Grace was a valued worker for the Howard-Winneshiek Community School District for 33 years and at Notre Dame Catholic School for 15 years. Employed as a food service specialist, Grace loved preparing and serving food for children. She cared for the children as if they were her own and is fondly remembered by many whose school days were brightened by her warmth and kindness. When Grace was not singing in the Notre Dame church choir, she enjoyed tapping her toes to polka music by the likes of Mollie B. and Daniel O’Donnell. In her free time, Grace collected cardinals and crocheted. Above all, Grace’s pride and joy was her family. It was rare for her to miss attending the activities and events of her children and grandchildren. She spent many hours cheering at football games, wrestling meets, baseball games, volleyball games, softball games and avidly supporting them at their band and choir concerts.

She is survived by her husband Max of Cresco, IA; sons Steve (Sheila) Slifka of Cresco, IA, Scott (Annette) Slifka of Center Point, IA, Sam (Sharon) Slifka of Antioch, TN, and Terry Jay “TJ” (Kris) Slifka of Lime Springs, IA; grandchildren Travis (Haley) Slifka, Trevor ( fiancé: Skyler Santee) Slifka, Kyle (Stephannie) Slifka, Shannon Slifka, Megan (Kyle) Michelsen, Brandon Slifka, Max Slifka, Mike (Lauren) Slifka, Kate Slifka, Jack Slifka, Connor Slifka, and Matthew Slifka; great-grandchildren Colton Slifka, Aiden Slifka, Crew Santee, Archie Slifka, and Brayden Michelsen; several nieces and nephews; and numerous friends. Grace was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Leonard, Alice, Doris, and Marvin.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 10, 2017 at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Cresco, IA with Father Dennis Cain officiating. Burial will be in New Oregon Township Cemetery in Cresco, IA.  Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, April 9, at Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home in Cresco, with rosary recited at 2:30 p.m.  Visitation will continue an hour prior to the time of service Monday at the church.

Memorials may be directed to Notre Dame School or Notre Dame Parish.

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