Anthony James “Tony” Slavik, 31, of New Prague, lost his battle with depression and a frustrating search for a third kidney transplant.
Tony’s death occurred sometime between the last day he reportedly had contact with others (Saturday, July 18), and the time he was found in rural Le Sueur County (Aug. 1). Preliminary pathology/autopsy results report a cause of death as kidney failure.
Tony was the son of Mike and Ann (Suel) Slavik, of New Prague, and had been living with his parents while undergoing home hemo-dialysis. Tony was born June 13, 1984, in New Prague, MN. He graduated from New Prague High School in 2002 and earned his Boy Scout Eagle Award the same year. He attended college at Brown College and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts studying interior design. He was a partner in his father’s company, Mike Slavik Painting Company, LLC.
Tony was born with a rare kidney disease, and underwent a kidney transplant at age 2 and a second kidney transplant at age 11.
Tony is survived by his parents, Mike and Ann Slavik; his brother, Nicholas (and Amy) Slavik, and a their children, Orelia, Milo, Otto, and Alma, all of New Prague; grandmother, Elizabeth Suel of Bellingham, WA; uncle, Jay Suel of Sandy, Utah; and aunts, Mary Ann (& Gene) Aufderhar of Le Sueur, Betty (& George) Pomije of Montgomery, Joan Walter, and Carol Jaenisch, both of New Prague, and Patty (& Jim) Palm of Le Center; many cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, James Suel, Ed and Mary Slavik; uncles, Ike Walter and John Slavik.
There are no formal services planned at this time. Memorials for Tony may be sent to Bruzek Funeral Home, 610 E. Main St., New Prague, MN 56071.
In his short life, Tony developed a deep range of friendships with his peer group, and with people of all ages. He attempted to live with a strength of will and integrity. Those who know him best feel confident that he concluded his life with those same values in place.
While Tony was in college, he wrote a powerfully emotional short story titled “The Long Path”, which dealt with hope and eventual loss. The story concluded with this quote: “Sometime the only way beyond something is to go through it.”
Rest in peace, Tony.
