Obituary of Frances H Slanina

Frances H. Slanina, 88, formally from Rapid City, SD, died April 12, 2023 surrounded by loving family at Regions Hospital in Burnsville, MN. Her presence, wit, humor and caring heart will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know and love her.

Frances was born August 7, 1934 in Danbury, Connecticut to Ambrose and Frances Hansut. She graduated from Danbury High School in 1952. As the daughter of parents who immigrated to the United States, Frances had a strong appreciation of and interest in her Slovak heritage. Having grown up during the Great Depression and World War II, Frances developed characteristics that served her well throughout her life which included thriftiness, grit, strength and a strong sense of determination and independence.

After raising and selling two beloved calves on her family farm, Frances was able to support herself through nursing school. She graduated from the Waterbury Hospital School of Nursing class of 1955 and became a Registered Nurse. Her nursing career included working in military hospitals, emergency rooms, nursing homes and rural home health care before joining the nursing staff at Rapid City Regional Hospital where she was employed for the last 19 years of her career as a Surgical Intensive Care Nurse.

In 1956, Frances married John V. Slanina at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Palmerton, PA (1956-2014). Upon her marriage and for the next 14 years, Frances supported her family and country as a Military Wife. She was the anchor and glue for her family, raising four children and working while being transferred with her husband to 8 different military bases throughout the US and Germany. She rose to every challenge military life presented and made every temporary house a HOME. Following retirement from the military, she and John eventually settled in Rapid City, SD.

Frances was an avid reader and lifetime learner. She enjoyed a variety of hobbies and interests and lived by the adage: “I’ll try anything once!” She was a talented seamstress with interests in history, genealogy, crafts, cooking, baking, gardening, golf and travel. She was a member of a Red Hats group, the Rapid City Garden Club and Black Hills Chapter of the SD Rosemaling Association where she received the title of an “Honorary Norwegian”. During her retirement, Frances especially enjoyed meeting weekly with her Thursday morning coffee group.

Frances recently moved to the Boden Senior Living Community in Apple Valley, MN. Even though the move came with the expected concern and trepidation, Frances adapted to the change, as she did her whole life, with grace and a positive attitude. She quickly became a beloved resident and friend in her new community.

Frances is survived by her children: Steven (Linda) Slanina, Crown Point, IN, Robert (Mary Ann) Slanina, Rapid City and Caroline (Jim) Orfei, Eagan, MN; eight grandchildren, John, Rick, Kim Slanina, IN, Nick (Morgan) Slanina and Michelle (Matt) Macrander, SD, Stephanie (Dan) Austing, Annelise (Joey) Borowicz and Tony Orfei, MN; five great-grandchildren: Cooper, Emmett, Lucy, Vivien and Ivy and her beloved furry grand-dog, Marley, who became her biggest fan.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband, John V. Slanina, son, John F.Slanina, parents Ambrose and Frances and brother, Robert Hansut.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 14 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 1222 Junction Ave., Sturgis SD with the Rev. Virginia Bird as officiant. Interment will follow at 1 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the St. Jude's Children’s Hospital in honor of Frances’ legacy of great service and love.