Gloria Ann Sleik, of Iron Mountain, lived life gracefully and then left us to become Heaven's newest angel surrounded by her loving family, in the comfort of her own home on May 7th, 2018… Just 5 days shy of her 87th birthday. She was born May 13, 1931 in Norway, Mich. Daughter of the late Joseph Guiliani and Elsie (Backlund) Guiliani. She married the love of her life, Douglas Sleik, Sr., on Dec 21, 1950. They enjoyed almost 61 years of marriage and a lifetime of memories together.

Gloria attended High School in Marquette and worked at Donkers Candy Store for three years. There is still a picture of her from the 1940's hanging on the wall there! Gloria blossomed into an incredibly hard working young woman and came to Iron Mountain in 1950. Here she worked at Khourys and Burger Chef while raising 5 children in a little two-room house on the small farm that her and Doug owned and operated. Her hobbies included membership to a 5hundred club where she met and enjoyed fellowship with some wonderful girlfriends, painting beautiful pictures that she proudly displayed around her home, and her unique egg shell art, which usually included pictures of her family, and was actually featured on television's Upper Michigan Today.

Gloria was the matriarch of the Sleik family, and she absolutely loved the role. Almost, if not every, visit to her house by any family member or close friend included some sort of photography session. Those of us left behind are blessed with countless photo albums where she captured and stored so many memories. Not only did she store those memories in the books, she often pulled them off the shelf and shared the stories behind the pictures. On top of this, she vigilantly maintained the family tree while NEVER forgetting a birthday or anniversary. Her selfless love was shown in the cards she sent (birthday ones were often handmade and always included dimes) and the "Happy Birthday to You" calls that she made to each and every one of her children and grandchildren, and many of her close friends and relatives, year after year.

Gloria is survived by her children, Dean Sr., Robert (Char), Gerri Kay (Tim) Casey, Steven, and Doug (Mary) Jr.; three foster sisters, Donna, Gerri, and Connie and their families; 14 grandchildren, Rachel, Corrine (Uwe), Doug III, Sarah (Shawn), Rebecca, Dean Jr., Robert Jr., Natalie, Melanie, Timothy Jr., Stephanie (Mike), Stacey (Eric), Erika (Max), and Kyle (Bethany); Grandson-in-law, Timothy; 34 great grandchildren; brother and sisters-in-law, Theresa Guilani, Frank Matousek, Donald Sleik, Ardeth Paternoster, Terry (Dee) Paternoster, Sandy (Chuck) Macy, and Sharon (Hans) Stromm and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and close family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Doug Sr.; two brothers, Joseph Jr, and Robert; sisters, Joan (Cliff) Peters and Bernadette Matousek; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lawerence and Frieda (Klatt-Sleik) Paternoster; daughter-in-law, Myra Sleik; granddaughter Barbara Hansard; grandson-in-law, Paul Niederberger; brothers-in-law, Lawerence (Martha Mae) Sleik, Wayne Paternoster, Norman (Jackie) Paternoster, and Oliver Paternoster; Sisters-in-law, Maxine (Bob) Gothe, Margaret Sleik

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to OSF Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion in Gloria's last days. A special thank you to granddaughter, Stephanie Grotelueschen for always being there.

A celebration of Gloria's life will be held in the summer. Condolences can be sent to the family of Gloria Sleik at W8054 Old Carney Lake Rd, Iron Mountain, MI 49801

You may light a candle in remembrance of Gloria or leave a condolence for her family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain, to honor Gloria's legacy of life.