KENNETH ROY SLENTZ DOROTHY JANE SLENTZ (SAWIN)

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KENNETH ROY SLENTZ DOROTHY JANE SLENTZ (nee SAWIN) Kenneth Roy Slentz, 84, and Dorothy Jane Slentz (nee Sawin) 83, died tragically in a car accident on September 22, 2011 in Iowa. As inseparable high school sweethearts, they were happily married for 64 years, when they embarked on their last journey into heaven together. Welcoming them into the afterlife are their sons Kenneth Oliver Slentz (Val) and Alan Roy Slentz. Kenneth and Dorothy are survived by their daughters Cynthia Raxter (Tim), Patricia Slentz, Laura Carroll (Danny), Kenneth's sisters, and Dorothy's brothers. Grandchildren are; Andrew (Jennifer), Jennifer (Mike), Benjamin (Blaine), Hailey (Jason), Chelsea, Lindsay (Nathan) Hilary and Dorothy. They also had seven great grand children, and many nieces and nephews. Dorothy and Kenneth grew up in the same small town of Oto, Iowa. Kenneth joined the Navy during the Second World War, and remained a proud veteran. All five of their children were born in Iowa. The family moved to Winnipeg in 1967. Kenneth joined the Faculty of Education, in the Department of Science at the University of Manitoba. A few years later he completed his Doctorate in Curriculum in Education, with Dorothy's secretarial help. Dorothy worked for several years as a dental and surgical assistant. They retired near Aubigny, Manitoba where they had a large garden, enjoyed nature and hosted many large family dinners. They spent many enjoyable summers at Lac Lu Ontario, where they built the rustic family cabin. Winters were spent in Texas where they had many friends and family. They traveled the globe together, visiting Australia, Germany, Alaska, Florida, Oregon, France, England, Mexico and the Maritimes. Dorothy was a nurturing woman to everyone. She was a vivacious social butterfly who loved to spend time searching family genealogy, playing the organ, singing in choirs, and trying new recipes. Dorothy's endless strength and optimism helped her beat breast cancer late in life, and she became a mentor for other women. Ken was a strong generous man whose infectious belly laugh could fill a room. His love of learning never waned. His interests included mechanics, woodworking, painting, carving, and listening to music. Both Dorothy and Kenneth were very proud of their children's and grandchildren's accomplishments. A memorial service will be held at the Fort Garry United Church, 800 Point Road in Winnipeg, Manitoba at 2:30 p.m. November 4, 2011. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in their names to the Breast Cancer Foundation Run for the Cure.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 08, 2011