Louis A. Slama

August 29, 1925 - February 10, 2016

Lou passed away peacefully at home. 
He was born in Czechoslovakia and emigrated to the United States with his family in 1935.  Raised in New Jersey, he became a star athlete and eventually played professional baseball on the minor league level.  In 1943 he joined the Army and was assigned to the 508th Regiment of the 82nd Airborne.  He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and earned two purple hearts and a bronze star.
After the war, he met and married Virginia Combi.  Lou became a Civil Engineer and settled in Utah. He retired from Ford, Bacon and Davis as their CEO when he was 65.  He twice served as a Director at Hidden Valley Country Club where he was an avid golfer. 
He is survived by his wife of almost 59 years; daughters Stephanie (Tony) Poulsen and JoAnn (Larry) Lighty; granddaughters Jennifer (Walker), Laura, Elizabeth and Megan. Preceded in death by parents Johanna and Anton; and sister Mildred Brodeck.
The family would like to thank the staff at the VA Medical Center and Rocky Mountain Hospice for the wonderful care they provided for Lou.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Lou’s name to the Judge Memorial Golf Team, Huntsman Cancer Institute or your favorite charity.
Friends are invited to celebrate his life on Thursday, February 18th from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East. Salt Lake City.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 19th at 11:00 AM as St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1375 E. Spring Lane, Salt Lake City. Inurnment to follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S. Highland Dr., Salt Lake City.

In Loving Memory

I had the privilege of meeting Lou on one of his trips to Coronado.I was introduced to him by my good friend David Hylen,and we spent some happy hours on the golf course--and what a golfer Lou was !! He was an amazing man,who had an extraordinary life.My life has been so much richer with knowing Lou. Richard.

Richard Dinnis

San Diego, CA

Dear JoAnn, Larry and family, My deepest condolence for your loss. May all your loving memories about Mr. Slama help ease the pain at this difficult time. May God bless you all with strength when you celebrate his extraordinary life. Grace Wang

Grace Wang

Arlington, VA

Virginia,Stephanie,Joann, and grandchildren. Words cannot describe my emotions with Lou's passing. As with so many WWII veterans and civilian workers. Lou in my mind was essential in "saving the day" for America. At extreme cost to himself both in physical and emotional pain. About five years ago before my retirement from the VA Hospital SLC (mental health unit), Lou came to me and talked for many hours about his life from his escape from Europe with his mother and sister to his service duty with the 82nd Airborne and beyond. I felt overwhelmed after his discussions of how that war affected him and his loss of his close friend he signed up with in the Army. I was fortunate to have met Lou and Virginia earlier on in 2004 during the U's annual Veterans Day Ceremony. He stated he had an affection for medics, since I was one myself. My thoughts and impressions with Lou range from a hardworking father and husband to a once gifted athlete and charitable man. My only wish was "darn it", I missed teeing off with him in Southern Utah during the times he would come down to our neck of the woods.He hated cold weather and that I can understand. Virginia,Stephanie, and Joann, I want you to know both Debbie and I offer prayers and condolences to your entire family. In my mind Lou was "one of a kind". We'll miss him. God Bless you all during this time of great loss. Our Love, Nick and Debra Miller

Nicholas Miller

Hurricane, Ut

May God bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief. Please accept our sincere condolences. We will never forget his kindness. May God give him his eternal life. Gus and Anna Suchar

Augustin @ Anna Suchar

Draper, UT

Dear JoAnn and Family, Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God's peace be with you!

Evette Rollins

Sterling, VA

Virginia, Stephanie and Joanne. Our thoughts are with you at this time. We were out of town and quite sorry we missed the service. We so admired and enjoyed Lou . He was a wonderful person and we always look forward to seeing him at so many church, social and of course numerous school events. Thoughts and prayers follow all of you and your families! Blessings and care. John and Jean and our family

John and Jean Henkels

SLC, Ut

In Loving Memory

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