Glenview Obituary: Susan J. Sladoje (Susie)

The following obituary is courtesy of Donnellan Family Funeral Services.

Susan J. Sladoje (Susie) of Glenview, IL, beloved wife of George Sladoje passed away at the Midwest Palliative and Hospice Pavilion on May 28. Susie was born in Wauwatosa, WI on July 6, 1943. In her early years the family moved seven times often from one state to another. Throughout her junior and senior high school years the family lived in Upper Arlington, OH a suburb of Columbus where she was crowned “Miss Arlington” in 1960. It was here where Susie’s love of the 4th July and all things patriotic took root.

She graduated from The Ohio State University (1966) with a major in retailing. While a student at Ohio State, Susie joined Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity, which became a major factor throughout her life. After moving so frequently early in her life, her relatively longer time in the Columbus area was very enjoyable and invigorating for her. No matter where she physically resided after leaving Central Ohio, Susie always remained a Buckeye.

During her high school and college days, Susie worked part time at a woman’s specialty store in Columbus; ultimately becoming an assistant manager at a major branch while still a part timer. She began her fulltime-working career at Bloomingdales in New York where her retailing experienced and skills were maximized and prepared her for greater undertakings in the city that she ultimately came to adopt---Chicago.

Though she enjoyed New York and took full advantage of its offerings, she preferred the pace and “feel” of Chicago even more. She became the Men’s Fashion Coordinator at Carson, Pirie, Scott & Company. Susie was the first female men’s fashion coordinator in all of the AMC and Federated stores. She remained at Carson’s until the birth of her first child in 1970.

Susie devoted the remainder of her life following Carson’s to her family and community—no matter where she lived. As mentioned the one constant has been Kappa Alpha Theta. Among the many alumnae positions that she has held with her sorority include; serving as President of the Chicago North Shore and Pasadena, California Chapters; Assistant National Convention Manager; and a national officer as a Foundation Trustee.

She has been active in and held leadership roles in many organizations on the North Shore, in California, downtown Chicago and particularly in Glenview. Among the groups that she served were; The Young Women’s Auxiliary of the Women’s Club of Evanston, The Junior League of Evanston-North Shore, The Auxiliary at Evanston and Glenbrook Hospitals (Susie chaired the 1996 American Craft Expedition), Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Rotary International, Junior League of Pasadena, Fortnightly Club of Chicago and the City Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago. In Glenview she served on the Independence Day Celebration Commission, Glenview Leadership Council, Glenview Values, Character Counts! and was a president of the Glen Oak Acres Garden Club. She served on school parent boards in Districts 34 and 225.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 47 years, George and their three children; Steve (Sara) of Glenview, IL, Julie Rickert (David) of Grandview Heights, OH, Katie Chew (Aaron) of Upper Arlington, OH, five grandchildren; George and Samantha Sladoje, Jack and Lily Rickert and Burrows Chew and siblings Thomas Mueller and Cathy Slingerland. She was preceded in death by her parents Sylvester E. and Carol Mueller.

A Funeral Mass celebrating Susie’s life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday June 5, 2015 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church 1775 Grove St. Glenview, IL 60025 In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations be made in honor of Susan Mueller Sladoje to: Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation 8740 Founders Road Indianapolis, IN 46268.