Kenneth & Dorothy Slentz-Died 2011

SLENTZ SAWIN

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/17/2012 at 14:53:25

Sioux City Journal
September 29, 2011

MAPLETON, Iowa -- Kenneth Roy Slentz, 84, and Dorothy Jane (Sawin) Slentz, 83, of Mapleton died tragically in a car accident on Sept. 22, 2011. As inseparable high school sweethearts, they were happily married for 64 years, when they embarked on their last journey into heaven together.

Service times have been changed to 2:30 p.m. Friday at St. Peter's United Church of Christ, 510 Ring Street, Mapleton. After lunch, burial will be in Oto Cemetery, Oto, Iowa, with military rites conducted by the Little Sioux Valley V.F.W. Post 9124 of Oto and the American Legion Loren Hollister Post 496 of Mapleton. Arrangements are under the direction of Armstrong Funeral Home in Mapleton. Memorial services will be 2:30 p.m. Nov. 4 at Fort Garry United Church, 800 Point Road, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Dorothy and Kenneth grew up in the same small town of Oto , Iowa. Kenneth joined the Navy during World War II, and remained a proud veteran. Kenneth and Dorothy were married on Aug. 3, 1947, in Oto.

In their early marriage, Kenneth taught science and Dorothy was a secretary in Sioux City. All five of their children were born in Iowa. In 1967, they moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where Kenneth took a position as professor of science in education. A few years later he completed his doctorate in curriculum in education, with Dorothy's secretarial help. Dorothy worked for several years as a dental hygienist and surgical assistant.

They retired near Aubigny, Manitoba, where they had a large garden, enjoyed nature and hosted many large family dinners. They spent many enjoyable summers at Laclu, Ontario, where they built the rustic family cabin, to be enjoyed for generations to come. Winters were spent in Texas, where they had many friends and family and enjoyed participating in jam sessions. Returning home to Iowa every year was a highlight for them.

They traveled the globe together, visiting Australia, Germany, Alaska, Florida, Oregon, France, England, Mexico and the Maritimes, to name a few.

Dorothy was a nurturing woman to everyone. She was a vivacious social butterfly who loved to spend time searching family genealogy, playing the organ, singing in choirs, and trying new recipes. Dorothy's endless strength and optimism helped her beat breast cancer late in life, and she became a mentor for other women.

Ken was a strong, generous man whose infectious belly laugh could fill a room. His love of learning never waned. His interests included mechanics, woodworking, painting, carving, and listening to music.

Both Dorothy and Kenneth were very proud of their children's and grandchildren's accomplishments.

Kenneth and Dorothy are survived by their daughters, Cynthia Raxter (Tim) , Patricia Slentz, Laura Carroll (Danny); Kenneth's sisters, Zella Copley (Albert), Gayla Wilson (John); Dorothy's brothers, Martin and Oren Sawin (Cathy); eight grandchildren, Andrew (Jennifer), Jennifer (Mike), Benjamin (Blaine), Hailey (Jason), Chelsea, Lindsay (Nathan), Hilary and Dorothy; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Welcoming them into the afterlife are their parents, Martin and Olive Sawin, and Roy and Olive Slentz; sons, Kenneth Oliver Slentz (Val) and Alan Roy Slentz; Dorothy's sisters, Bonnie and Darlene; Kenneth's brother, Kendell; and sisters, Karon, Sharon and LaVonne.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in their names to Susan G Komen: For the Cure.