Nicholas V. 'Nick' Slechta (1933-2017)

Nicholas V. “Nick” Slechta, 84, died Friday, March 17 in Newton, Kan. He was born Feb. 3, 1933, the son of John R. and Anna Francis (Blick) Slechta on his grandfather Slechta’s farm southeast of Ellsworth and was a lifelong resident of the community. He was a 1951 graduate of Ellsworth High School and was awarded an Associate Degree from Barton County Community College after having attended night classes at Marymount College, Salina. He married his high school sweetheart Glorene Scheidt on May 18, 1953 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. She preceded him in death in 2016. He was the Administrative Supervisor for Northern Natural Gas Company, Bushton, retiring after 35 years of service.

Nick’s military career spanned over 32 years, retiring as a Lt. Colonel, Kansas Army National Guard. His most coveted award was the Meritorious Service Medal. He was also awarded the Order of St. Barbara in 2000 and was a life member of the United States Retired Reserve.

Nick is survived by his daughter, DeVon M. Freilinger of Kingman, Kan.; son Damon L. Slechta (Erin) of Essex, Conn.; grandson, Tucker Christian and granddaughter, Tessa Grace; granddaughters, Alisha Hemken and Amber Freilinger; grandson, Brandon Slechta; great-grandchildren, Alexandria and Jonathan Hemken; great-great-granddaughter, Rayne; and numerous relatives.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Glorene; son, Dane Scott Slechta and brother, Richard Slechta.
 

Funeral mass is at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 29 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Ellsworth, with inurnment following in Ellsworth Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, in care of Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, Ks. 67439.

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