Douglas A. Sleik, 82, of Iron Mountain, went to be with the Lord on November 5, 2011, in the comfort of his own home.
He was born July 22, 1929, in Iron Mountain, son of the late Lawrence and Frieda (Klatt-Sleik) Paternoster. Doug married the love of his life, Gloria Guiliani, on December 21, 1950. They enjoyed almost 61 years of marriage and a lifetime of memories together.
Doug’s other love was his little farm on which he enjoyed many hours of work. In January of 1956, upon moving to the farm, Doug was dubbed the “Carney Lake Tycoon” by the locals. His passions were his family, friends, and farm. Anyone who knew Doug remembers him for his quick wit and great storytelling ability. He enjoyed playing cribbage with grandchildren and smear with Wayne and Judy.
In his early years, Doug laid concrete for RC Hoyle, delivered oil for Hollenbeck Oil Company, and drove semi for Peninsula Construction and Supply Company. On May 13, 1968, he went on to work at Four Seasons Beer Distributers. Doug “retired” in 1994, but continued to work for the company until 2008.
This year, on his mother’s birthday, the angels came to take Doug. By his side was his devoted wife, Gloria, who held his hand as he slipped away to be with his family in heaven. His son, Steven, also comforted him in his passing after helping his mom in his dad’s last days. Doug will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Gloria; four sons, Doug (Mary) Sleik, II, Wallace, Mich., Dean Sleik, Sr., Breitung Twp., Robert (Char) Sleik, Sr., Kingsford, Steven (Lisa, DePere, Wis.) Sleik, Iron Mountain; one daughter, Gerri Kay (Tim) Casey, New Hampshire; special nephew, Greg Sleik, Iron Mountain; four brothers, Don (Margaret) Sleik, Naperville, Ill., Oliver (Ardith) Paternoster, Milwaukee, Wis., Norman Paternoster, Iron Mountain, Terrance (Dee) Paternoster, Boise, Idaho; two sisters, Sandy (Chuck) Macy, Iron Mountain, Sharon (Hans) Strom, Georgia; one sister-in-law, Joan Peters; fourteen grandchildren, Rachel, Corrine (Uwe), Douglas III, Sarah (Shawn), Rebecca, Dean Jr., Robert Jr., Natalie Casey, Melanie Casey, Timothy Casey II, Stephanie (Josh), Stacey (Eric), Erika, Kyle; grandson-in-law, Tim Hansard; 25 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Doug was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Joseph and Elsie Guiliani; daughter-in-law, Myra Sleik; granddaughter, Barbara Hansard; grandson-in-law, Paul Niederberger; two brothers, Lawrence (Martha Mae) Sleik, Wayne Paternoster; sister, Maxine (Bob) Gothe; two sisters-in-law, Jackie Paternoster, Bernadette Matousek; three brothers-in-law, Joseph Guiliani, Robert Guiliani, Cliff Peters; and step-father, Oliver Paternoster, Sr.
The family would especially like to thank the OSF Hospice for their care and compassion in Doug’s last days and Mike, Lisa, Beth, and Alexis Zaio for always being there.
A celebration of Doug’s life will be held in the spring. Condolences can be sent to the Sleik family at W8054 Old Carney Lake Road, Iron Mountain, Michigan, 49801.
You may light a candle in remembrance of Douglas or leave a condolence to his family online at JacobsFuneralHomes.com
The Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron Mountain is serving the family.