April 27, 1943 – November 17, 2020
MARK EDWARD SLAMA, age 77, of Mankato, formerly of Janesville passed away Tuesday morning, November 17, 2020.
Mark Slama, Charter member of the Prairieland Defenders Chapter #807, passed away November 17, 2020. Mark served as Chapter #807 Commander for 4 terms, 2009-2013, and Judge Advocate for 3 terms 2014-2017. He has been a MOPH member since 1985.
Born on April 27, 1943 in Winnebago to Clarence and Frances (Tibodeau) Slama. He attended Winnebago High School, graduating with the class of 1961. Mark further his education at Mankato State College, receiving a degree in accounting. In 1967, Mark was drafted into the United States Army where he served his country during the Vietnam War until being honorably discharged in 1969. While at Fitzsimmons Hospital in Denver, Colorado receiving treatment from injuries sustained during the war, Mark was united in marriage to Rita Ann Fries on April 4, 1970. Mark and Rita lived in Aurora, Colorado, and Winnebago before making their home in Janesville. Mark worked with his brothers “Slama Brother Inc.” working on highway maintenance and construction for 7 years before beginning a 25 year career with the United States Postal Service. Mark was a long time member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Janesville American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign War. He was a faithful member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Janesville.
Mark is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Rita; daughter, LeAnn Slama of Colorado Springs, CO; granddaughter, Makenzie Slama; siblings: Mary (Ed) Fischbach of West Hills, CA, Regina Staloch of Arnold, MO, Bernetta (Carl) Schwermann of New Ulm, Clarence (Mary Ellen) Slama Jr. of Janesville, David Slama of St. Paul, Paul (Cindy) Slama of Mankato, and Jeffrey (Joan) of Winnebago; many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents; son, Jason; brother, Leo.
Visitation will be from 2:00 – 5:00 PM on Sunday, November 22, 2020 at Dennis Funeral & Cremation Services in Janesville. Private family services will be held. Interment will be on a later date in Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Memorials are preferred to the Janesville Area Foundation.
