Obituary: Dr. George Slezak

The following obituary is courtesy of Hallowell & James Funeral Home

Dr. George Slezak, passed away peacefully on Wednesday June 19, 2019 at the age of 94. He was a true gentleman and lived his life with humility and respect for others. He had a great sense of humor, never treating life more seriously than it needed to be, despite his professional demands.

He was born to Gustav and Vlasta Slezak in Chicago, IL, raised in Berwyn and eventually Western Springs, IL along with his brother Roy. They had a fun Bohemian-style extended family that shared many laughs and love (George’s elder, Aunt Blanche still refers to him as “Baby Georgica”). After graduating from McClure Jr. High and Lyons Township HS, George served in
WW2 as a front-line medic in France and Belgium. He graduated from University of Illinois and went to medical school in Chicago where he met nursing student Donna Joyce Pitsch, a cowboy’s daughter from Garryowen, Montana. Donna was as beautiful inside as she was outside and they both embraced each other’s families. George and Donna married in 1954, started a family while George was doing his medical residency in Detroit, and then moved to Western Springs in 1959 where they raised 5 kids (Brent, Gretchen, Alison, Lisa, Braden). George and Donna made many great friends and provided a welcoming and loving home that was a hub of activity and celebrations. “Papa George” got his greatest pleasure spending time with his 24 grandkids and great grandchildren, and also enjoyed playing cards, photography, fishing, traveling, and golfing. George supported Donna with grace and dedication as she suffered through Alzheimer’s which ended her life more than 20 years ago. In 2008 George moved to Plymouth Place where he stayed active and continued to enjoy his time with friends and family. He was a loving father and a great example to us. A memorial service will be held at the Presbyterian Church of Western Springs (5250 Wolf Road) at 2pm on Saturday June 29, 2019. For additional information call Hallowell & James Funeral Home at 708-352-6500 or hjfunerals.com