Service Details
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. Full military honors will follow. A visitation will take place on Thursday from 4:30 p.m. until the time of the service. Inurnment will be held in Southern WI Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to H.O.P.E. Safehouse animal shelter, 1234 Lathrop Ave., Racine, WI 53405 would be appreciated.
Jay R. Slesarenko, age 71, of Racine, passed away at his home on Friday, July 7, 2023. He was born on April 24, 1952 in Racine, a son of Fred and Lorretta (nee: Reisenauer) Slesarenko. Jay was a 1970 graduate of Case High School and served our country in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He was employed with Case Corp. for 15 years and retired from SC Johnson Co. in 2014 after 25 years of service.
He was known by many names, including Robby, Bones, Sles, Roman, J-Bird, Bongo and Stalker. (Sorry, Dad, not including that other nickname.) His self-proclaimed greatest moment in life was when he was reunited with his daughter in 2000. He enjoyed softball, fishing, hunting, scuba diving, golfing, riding his motorcycle, shooting “sporties”, and bowling. As a young man, he enjoyed his trips to the Wind Point Lighthouse to watch the submarine races. His great passion was found in skydiving, where he served as a jumpmaster, and was on four state skydiving records. Jay was a member of POPS (Parachutists Over Phorty), SOS (Skydivers Over Sixty), the Moose Lodge and Skydive Milwaukee (retired). Jay was an extraordinarily generous person with a great sense of humor. His zest for life was unparalleled. He was a loving father to his daughter and all his fur babies. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his daughter Anh (John) Gross; his grandsons, Iain Gross and Aaron Gross; his brother, Gary (Alice) Slesarenko; nephew, Matthew (Donna) Slesarenko; niece, Sarah (Billy) Aldridge; niece, Carrie (Dave Harris) Laehr; niece, Kristine (Constance) Slesarenko-Borjes; brother-in-law, John Helland; several great-nieces and great-nephews; special friends, Patty King (Chewee’s Mom) and Jon Eeg; his dog, Buddy; and many other family and friends. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Lynn (nee: Slesarenko) Helland; his nephew, Fredrick Laehr; and his dogs Toby, Mickey, Foots, Lady and Chewee.
Jay’s Celebration of Life service will be on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home followed by military honors. A visitation will take place on Thursday from 4:30 p.m. until the time of the service. Inurnment will be held in Southern WI Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to H.O.P.E Safehouse animal shelter, 1234 Lathrop Ave., Racine, WI 53405 would be appreciated.
Round Eye says
You’re my hero!
Round Eye
Kermit says
‘Till we get to fly together again, J-bird!
Patty King says
I’m going to miss you my dear friend. I will forever be grateful to have had you in my life. Until I see you again, I will keep all of our memories alive in my heart. Give all my pups a big hug and kiss for me. And I’m certain Lola has already taken your spot on the couch 😜
Samuel Caban says
You will be missed ruso loco. Till we meet again..
Polaco.
Beav says
Love yah brother. Will never forget that sdc trip. You changed my life.
Joseph Putra says
Lots of good childhood memories growing up across the street from Jay and his family. Ones I’ll never forget. RIP Jay
Alison Keifer says
Until we meet again. I have been and will continue to think of you always. Miss and love you
Ryan Hammer says
So many many great memories, Jay! The motorcycle rides, shooting clays with the rest of skeeter squad, and of course the many hours and laughs at Mosquito!
You were always a favorite to see!
Your friend,
– youtube.
J. T. Dunphy says
Great Man!
Thanks for serving our
Country.
Eternal Blue Skies
Su Rankin says
Oh this is such sad news. Jay was a good friend to me at SCJ, and I remember how excited he was to find out about his daughter. VERY PROUD OF HER and her family. He used to bring me rhubarb to work and I would make his mom’s rhubarb recipe. God Speed Jay!
Raymond C Rorek says
To the family of Jay Slesarenko I would like to offer you my condolences on his passing. May he Rest In Peace and all his pain will be gone.A friend that I had known for a long time. Raymond C Rorek
Rudolph Wahlen says
Went to school with Jay from kindergarten in lake park at Hansche to high school at Case. Rest in peace Jay
Lenny Gavett says
Gone but not forgotten – Blue Skies my friend and mentor!
Chuck & Paula Rorek says
We are very sorry for your loss and send our deepest condolence’s. Jay always had a smile on his face every time I saw him.
Pam Werner says
Blue skies forever my friend.
Nancy Balcer says
I am so sorry to hear of Jays passing. Jay had to be one of the nicest people I have known. Prayers to his family.
Tom Fiser says
I was very saddened to learn of Jay’s passing. He was a great guy! I enjoyed working with him at SC Johnson and proud to call him a friend. Jay loved his friends, the animals he rescued, his country, and foremost, his family. He will be sorely missed.
Gordon R. Nelson says
The main thing is that we had fun in high school, lived through the 70’s, and retired intact. I’ll see you in the next world and don’t be late.