Donald A. "Don" Sluka

Donald A. Sluka was born to Gust & Mayme (Hromadka) Sluka on May 7, 1928 at the farm NW of Milligan where he resided most of his life. He passed away at the age of 96 on December 23, 2024 at Fairview Manor in Fairmont, NE with his wife, Lorene, by his side. Don attended Rural District #2 and Exeter High School graduating in 1946. He was active in 4-H for many years. In 1941, he had the Fillmore County Grand Champion Steer and then took his two shorthorn steers by train to the Chicago International Livestock Show. After graduation he farmed and did custom baling. When Don was 18 years old, his neighbor Earl Kohler asked him to go to the Grand Island cattle sale where he bought his first load of cattle. In 1951, he entered the Army where he was stationed in England & Germany until he was honorably discharged in 1953. On April 23, 1954, Don married Lorene Buzek and moved to the Sluka family farm where they had a daughter, Linda. Don continued to farm, feed cattle, and attend multiple cattle sales. His love for auctions started at an early age. He would walk across the pasture to Uncle Jim Sluka’s farm and they would go to the sale barn at Friend, NE. Afterward they always had to stop at the Lunch Room for a piece of pie. His daughter, Linda, would ride along to many sales. Lorene would often pack a lunch for them to eat at the sale barn. Don’s grandchildren had a special place in his heart. He always had time to go hunting or fishing with Brian and play games and attend Czech events with Shandra. He was also blessed with two great grandchildren, Layne and Laycee from Brian and Nicole that he would always drop whatever he was doing to make a beeline to the house when they would visit and spend every minute with them. He also gained step grandchildren Nick, Alex, and Grace from Shandra who he enjoyed as well along with their children in following years. Don was preceded in death by his parents: his brother, Jim and Annabelle Sluka, and sister, Doris. He is survived by his wife, Lorene Sluka; daughter Linda and Rick Korbelik; grandchildren, Brian and Nicole Zelenka, Shandra Reinsch; great grandchildren Layne and Laycee Zelenka, Nick Reinsch, Alex and Wes Rippe (Piper and Atlas) and Grace Reinsch. A Funeral Service for Don was held on Friday, December 27, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Farmer & Son Funeral Home - Kotas Chapel in Milligan, Nebraska with Kim Dunker presiding. During the funeral service there were 3 special songs played, “Peace In The Valley” by Elvis Presley, “Falling Leaves” by Shandra Reinsch on Accordion and “In Heaven There is No Beer” by Shandra Reinsch on Accordion. Pallbearers included Brian Zelenka, Shandra Reinsch, Chris Sluka, Tom Sluka, Dick Fischer and Wayne Havlat. Honorary Pallbearers were Dale Due and Rick Stoldorf. Military Graveside Services were conducted by the Milligan American Legion – HSSK Post 240 following the Funeral Service in the Bohemian National Cemetery in Milligan, Nebraska. Memorials were directed to the Milligan Fire & Rescue. Farmer & Son Funeral Home was in charge of funeral arrangements.

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Donald A. "Don" Sluka

May 7, 1928 - December 23, 2024