Obituary of Robert Alan Slavik

Returned home on 12/30/2024 at the age of 79. He was a resident of Edina, MN. 

Born October 1, 1945, in Davenport, IA to Godfrey and Maxine Slavik (née Hoover), Bob grew up in Minneapolis, MN. 

He attended Roosevelt High School and received a degree in Business and Economics from Augsburg College in 1967. In 1992, Bob was inducted into the Augsburg Hall of Fame for both baseball and football. 

Bob went on to become a successful marketing and sales executive in the food industry, where he was a generous leader and mentor to many. 

He lived, he loved, he cared. Those who knew him knew this. God, family, friends, music, cooking and the USA were his love languages. Aka “The Bohemian Chef,” Bob will be especially missed for his creative cooking style and artful, inventive use of his many air fryers. 

Sports was his passion. He drew inspiration from a variety of sources and personalities including Ted Lasso, Caitlin Clark, John Wooden, Randy Moss and Yogi Berra, to name a few. 

Bob was the consummate communicator who touched countless lives with his words of wisdom and support. He connected with people of all ages all across the world in a variety of unique ways. He never met a stranger.

Near the end of his journey he discovered his gift for writing, which he shared with friends and family in essays he called “reflections.” These reflections were touching, amusing, inspiring and thought-provoking. 

”Life is like an hourglass. Make today the best it can be. You can’t get it back!”

“None of us know how long our journey will be here. All we can do is our best with each other and with every minute of the 1440 we have each day.”

“Our faith and trust in God’s Will sustains us. All we have to do is BELIEVE!” 

-Bob Slavik 

Preceded in death by his parents, he is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Toni (née Christina) of Edina, his twin daughters Barb Cooke (David) of Chicago and Christie Eckert (Todd) of California, his son Alan (Ashley) of Spain; his grandchildren Joey (Stacey), Bobby (Alexie), Fiona, Arlo, Axel and Auggie; his great-grandchildren Ella, Mason and Jaxon; his sister Judy Hrkal (John), his sister-in-law Sheri Christina and nieces and nephews Deb Ayres (Mike), Steve Hrkal, Craig Hrkal (Laurie), Paige Spring (Greg) and many great nieces and nephews who loved and adored him. 

The family would like to thank Bob’s Abbott Heart Failure team and his Allina Health primary care, home care and hospice teams. Their exemplary support and guidance was a great comfort to us all.  

In lieu of flowers if desired, a memorial gift can be directed to Hope House via the Open Hands Foundation online (https://openhandsfoundation.com/donate/) or to a charity of your choice. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at some point in the future.