Betty JoAnne (Opdahl) Slifka

Betty J. Slifka, age 86, of Cresco, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2020, at Evans Memorial Home after a battle with cancer. Because of Covid-19 limitations on gatherings, a rotating visitation of 10 people will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2020 at Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 9, 2020, with Pastor Jim Scaife.  Burial in New Oregon Cemetery rural Cresco. 

Betty JoAnne (Opdahl) Slifka was born the daughter of Peter L. and Maude (Martin) Opdahl on February 12, 1934 in Iowa City. She was raised and attended school in Davenport where she caught the eye of William K. (Bill) Slifka. They were married December 29, 1952 and raised three children.  Bill and Betty were true entrepreneurs throughout their marriage owning several businesses. Slifka Sales in Albert Lea and Truckers Inn in Sauk Centre, Minnesota were just some of their ventures. While Bill was the risk-taker, Betty was the detail and follow-through owner.

After retiring in 1984, Betty and Bill returned to their Iowa roots and built a home in Ridgeway. It was here in Iowa that Betty took up the art of quilting, winning many awards and friends along the way. Throughout the years, Betty was a member of the Ridgeway City Council, Peace Lutheran Church, Piecemakers Quilt Club in Cresco, Clip & Stitch Quilt Guild in New Hampton, and Turkey River Pheasants Forever.  Along with quilting, Betty enjoyed playing cards, genealogy, and shopping. It was her family she was most proud of and will be missed by all.

Betty is survived by her children, Pamela (Ken Cossette) Slifka and Patrick (Spiff) Slifka; five grandchildren, Jennifer (Brian) Hurley, David Slifka, Stephanie (Jason) Farley, Zachary Slifka, and Jonna (Carson) Hruby; five great-grandchildren, Haidyn Farley, Carson Farley, Caleb Farley, Leila Hruby, and Leo Hruby and nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, grandson William (January 9, 1981), husband Bill (April 29, 1998), and son Michael (March 23, 2013).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Howard County Hospice or HoCA. Arrangements are with Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home in Cresco. Friends may share a memory at hindtfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Betty-Slifka.

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