It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dad, James A Slobaszewski, on July 23, 2024, at Scenic Living Communities in Iowa Falls following a year long illness. A visitation is scheduled for Monday, July 29, at 5:00 – 7:00 pm at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls with a funeral mass at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Tuesday, July 30, at 10:30 am with a luncheon to follow. A private burial Will take place at a later date. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls.
Jim was born to Telesfear and Alice (Petska) Slobaszewski on November 22, 1936 in Kimball, Nebraska. He met his beloved wife, Helen Johannsen, on a blind date at a bowling alley in Cherokee, Iowa. Jim, being Jim, playfully told everyone that he even let Helen win a game or two! That was the beginning of an eventual 57 year marriage. Their union was a prime example of the saying “opposites attract” as the strength of one complemented the other throughout their lives. From this union they raised four children who did their very best to challenge their beloved parents with their unique personalities and talents (or so we were told)!
Jim’s professional career with JC Penney took the growing family on a journey from Cherokee, Iowa to Fairmont, Minnesota to Tekamah, Nebraska and finally Iowa Falls in 1974. After spending the majority of his career in retail, Jim eventually worked for Farmland Foods and lastly with Hy Vee.
It was in Iowa Falls that Jim’s eclectic personality led him to participate in numerous community activities. St Mark’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and Iowa Falls Community Theater were closest to his heart. During his near 40 year participation in theater Jim played a myriad of roles that brought joy and laughter (some women were jealous that his legs were better than theirs) to those in attendance.
Jim’s core values of faith, family and friendship were always on the forefront of all he did and his strong work ethic, honesty, responsibility and pride were also admired. Spending time with family, playing cards, games and sports activities will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother, infant grandson, numerous extended family and “the ying to his yang” his beloved wife Helen. Surviving are his four children: Kathy (Jim) Cheslik, Muncie, IN; John (Marcelle) Slobaszewski, Warrensburg, MO; Mary (Charlie) Whitaker, Urbandale, IA; and Dale (Cindy) Slobaszewski, Altoona, IA. Grandchildren Matthew (Darlynn) Cheslik, Megan (Jason) Kubick, Victoria (Andrew) Whitaker Sorge, Daniel Slobaszewski (companion Ashleigh), Sarah Slobaszewski and Sam Slobaszewski. Great grandchildren Isabel McLaughlin, Chloe Cheslik, Carson Kubick, Madelyn Cheslik, Devyn Kubick and Quinn Kubick.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St Mark’s Catholic Church, Iowa Falls, Iowa or the Iowa Falls Community Theater.
The family extends our sincere gratitude to Dr. Katie Haverkamp, the staff at Scenic Living Communities, St Mark’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and Care Initiatives Hospice for their kind and compassionate care. We are also grateful to the Iowa Falls community for 50 years of friendship, love and support.
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