Andrew Slanko

Andy J. Slanko, 85, Independence, MO passed away April 6, 2008. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am, Friday, April 11, 2008 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church; interment at Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 pm, Thursday with a Rosary at 7 pm at Carson-Speaks Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the American Diabetes Assoc., The American Heart Assoc. or St. Ann’s Church. Andy was born June 30, 1922 in Sugar Creek and lived in the area all of his life. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW II and served as a tank driver in the 10th Armored Division during the Battle of the Bulge. His unit liberated some of the concentration camps. He retired from the Milwaukee Railroad (KCS). He was a Life Member of VFW Post #3976 Sugar Creek and a member of the church. Andy loved gardening, especially growing tomatoes. He also enjoyed Royals baseball, Chiefs football and Skoal Fine-Cut. Andy was preceded in death by two brothers and four sisters. He is survived by his wife of 59 years Rose M. Slanko, of the home; daughters Anna Lyon and husband Butch; Suzanne Kirkham and husband Matt Dillon: sister Helen Bass, all of Independence, MO; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.