Sherald L Sluka

SHERALD L. SLUKA August 18, 1933 - December 5, 2018 Sherald Legor Sluka was born August 18, 1933 in Fort Atkinson, Iowa, to Arnold and Euphemia Sluka. He passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family and was welcomed into heaven on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at the age of 85. He loved his family deeply, stood up for important causes, and gave so generously to his community. His warm presence, witty sense of humor, and positive influence on all those who knew him and loved him will be deeply missed. Sherald grew up in Fort Atkinson and Calmar, Iowa, until he left to attend Iowa State College from 1951 till1953. Sherald enlisted in the Air Force, serving from 1953 until 1957, during which time he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ellen Stromsodt, on May 1, 1954 in Visalia, California. After his time in the Air Force, Sherald returned to Visalia and attended Fresno State University earning a Bachelor's Degree in History, in 1959. Sherald began a 22-year career in public service in 1959 working for Tulare County where he was Assistant County Administrator and later General Services Director. Somewhat of an entrepreneur, Sherald owned several small local retail stores in Visalia and Tulare, turning each into a successful business endeavor. He also earned his Real Estate Brokers License and practiced real estate for a number of years. Passionate about contributing to his community, Sherald extended his professional career working for local non-profits serving the poor and underprivileged, including 10 years at Self-Help Enterprises, and most recently as Director at the Bethlehem Center from 2011 until 2013, when he retired following his 80th birthday. Sherald was an avid volunteer and his contributions were tremendous. With his great love of theatre, Sherald, along with his wife Mary Ellen, have been continuously active with the Visalia Players since 1966, contributing thousands of volunteer hours and loads of artistic creativity where he acted, directed and designed for the theatre. He served multiple terms on the board, including several terms as President. This past July, the Players awarded Sherald & Mary Ellen with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, Sherald received the Standing Ovation Award in 2007. Sherald was also a Founding Board Member and volunteer Business Manager for The Enchanted Playhouse Theatre Company from 1992 to 2002. Sherald was a proud and dedicated blood donor for many years, contributing over 100 donations to Central California Blood Center. Sherald was well known and respected at St. Mary Catholic Church, having served as Lector/Scripture Reader for over 50 years and was a member of the diocesan and George McCann School Boards. Sherald & Mary Ellen were the first couple to be married in St. Mary's Church in 1954 and renewed their vows there on their 40th and 50th wedding anniversaries. Sherald loved the church. His faith was unwavering and his contributions were generous in every way. He supported many charitable organizations, and he and his wife sponsored many children from various countries over the years. Sherald is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Mary Ellen; brother Sylvester (Roseanne) Sluka; daughters Sheryl (Scott) Frazer, Susan (Sean) Kelly, Sandy (Otis) Goodwin, JoEllen (Dave) Huckabay, Paige (Aaron) Blackburn; nine grandchildren: Janet (Moises) Alvarado, Adam Long, Jerrod (Christin) Frazer, Neal (Inga) Goodwin, Rachel Frazer, Evan Huckabay, Chloe Huckabay, Liam Huckabay, Bryce Huckabay; eight great-grandchildren, and seven nieces & nephews. Visitation will be at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel from 4 till 6 p.m. on December 11, followed by a Rosary at 6 p.m. A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church on December 12 at 10:00 a.m. A reception will be held at the Serra Center immediately following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Bethlehem Center or any favorite charity.