Harold Thomas Sladek, 82, of Le Center, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was under the care of Carriage House and Moments Hospice for progressive cervical myelopathy. Visitation will be Friday, January 12, 2024 from 9am-11am with the funeral service at 11am, both at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Le Center. Military Honors are provided by the Le Center Area Veterans Honor Guard. Private interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to an organization of your choosing.

Harold was born on November 23, 1941 in New Prague to Robert and Marcella (Krocak) Sladek. He was raised on the north side of Greenleaf Lake and graduated from Montgomery High School in 1959. He served in the United State Army as an E5 Specialist from January 13, 1961 until January 10, 1964. He earned a Good Conduct medal and a Rifle Marksman M1 and M14. He was stationed in Germany for two years, serving alongside his younger brother, Butch.

Harold married the love of his life, Terry Humber, on July 10, 1965 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Le Center, where they were members. They made their home on the Humber farm for the next 58 years. Harold worked at Toro in Bloomington for 39 years as a Machinist, before retiring in 2004. Harold was a family man, spending time with his grandkids, vacationing with family and friends up north and later in Florida, and enjoying time at the family cabin on French Lake. He was an avid reader, weather-watcher, and card player, as well as a do-it-yourselfer. In retirement, Harold and Terry spent much time traveling with friends or their kids, taking multiple bus trips to explore the US. Harold was active in the Le Center Episcopal Church as a lay reader, challis-bearer, and warden. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion.

He is deeply missed by family and friends. Harold is survived by his wife, Terry Sladek of Le Center; children Randy (Bobbie) Sladek of Faribault, Sheila (Rocky) Pietig of Olivia, Jodi (Greg) Love of Bend, OR, Mike (Amy) Sladek of Lonsdale, and Chris (Amanda) Sladek of Le Center. His grandchildren are Bryce Schuenke, Alex and Haley Pietig, Zach Love, Madison, Hank, Tyson Sladek and Cade Passe, and Carter, Jarret, and Cooper Sladek, and also great-grandson Graysen Schuenke. Additionally, he is survived by his sister-in-law, Liz Sladek and nephews Tim, Bill, and Dave Sladek. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Roy “Butch” Sladek.


Arrangements are with Le Center Funeral Home in Le Center. 507-357-6116. Online condolences may be left at www.lecenterfuneralhome.com.