Obituary of Norman Elmer Sladek

Sladek, Norman Elmer Age 75, of Edina, MN, passed away on October 29, 2014. Preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Lucille (née Poole) Sladek and his parents, Elmer and Helen Sladek. He grew up in Montgomery, MN, attended Most Holy Redeemer Catholic School, and graduated from Montgomery High School in 1957. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy (1962) and a PhD in Pharmacology (1966) from the University of Minnesota, and was a faculty member in the Medical School's Department of Pharmacology where he worked for 41 years, becoming Professor Emeritus in 2009. Norman was the recipient of the 1991 King Charles Award for his contributions to science, the Czernin Palace Medal in 2005, was the first inductee into the Montgomery High School Wall of Fame, and held numerous offices in Sokol Minnesota. He founded Norm Sladek's World Bohemian Euchre Tournament, currently in its 36th year. Other interests included coaching girls basketball and fastpitch softball, playing the button accordion, and genealogical research. Survived by daughter and son-in-law Theresa Sladek and Todd Dale; daughter Rebecca Sladek; daughter and son-in-law Melissa Sladek and Scott Hawxhurst; and four beloved grandchildren Eliana Sladek Nowlis (13), Andrew Evan Dale (13), Luke Sladek Nowlis (9), and Skylar Sladek Hawxhurst (3). Memorial service on Sunday, November 2 at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 7110 France Avenue S., Edina, MN 55435 (952-924-4100). Visitation is from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm; a formal "celebration of his life" will begin at 5:00 pm with reception to follow. Memorials preferred to Open Arms of Minnesota or the Montgomery Historical Society.