Roxanne M. Sladek

Roxanne Marie Sladek, age 55 of Merrill, was welcomed with open arms into heaven on Thursday, February 4, 2016. She was born May 1, 1960, to Robert and Rose (Ryan) Akey of Merrill. She graduated from Merrill High School in 1978. She went on to further her education at Mid-State Technical College and received an associate degree as a Dietetic Technician. Later in life, while raising two children, working full-time, and attending her children's sporting events, she completed her Bachelor of Science Degree through the UW Green Bay. Her family was very proud of her accomplishment. January 2, 1982, was a record-breaking blizzard in Merrill, Wisconsin. There was a lot of love and warmth shared that day when Roxi married Brian M. Sladek at St. Francis Catholic Church. She had a long career in food service management, starting at Wausau Hospital. She advanced to Food Service Director for the Antigo, Merrill, and Wausau School Districts. She retired in May 2015. She gave her time generously and volunteered for all of her children's sporting events, Special Olympics, and as a religious education teacher at St. Francis Catholic School. Roxi was the happiest when she was with her family outdoors, especially when she was camping, walking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing. She was a wonderful, loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and aunt, and a friend to many. Roxi is survived by her husband, Brian, and children James and Renee; mother, Rose Akey; siblings Robert (Karen) Akey, Richard (Mary) Akey, Russell (Terri) Akey, Rebecca Zuelsdorff, Rachelle (Dick) Bissing, Renee (John) Nedden, and Rod (Leah) Akey; inlaws John and Kathryn Sladek, Sandy (Brian) Nienow, Jack (Janie) Sladek, and Diana (Wayne) Zimmerman; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father, Robert Akey Sr., brother-in-law, Keith Zuelsdorff, grandparents, and the family dog, Ginger. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill on Thursday, February 11, 2016, at noon, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am at the church. In lieu of flowers, please give to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.