Gerald "Jerry" Slavik
May 23, 1941 - March 8, 2014

"When I was young... very young (1993/94). My boyfriend and I traveled across the united states from Meadow Vista, Ca. We ran into hard times and ended up homeless... staying in shelters until we eventually ended up in Green Bay, WI eating dinner at a shelter. Jerry approached us there and sat with us our entire meal...and after hearing our story, he offered to give us a studio apartment on van buren rent free for 3 months until we could get jobs and get on out feet. We did just that. Even back then... men like Jerry did not exist. A very colorful man and his wife was always so kind. My boyfriend would say HI Khou! (haiku) every time he saw her. .. he thought he was pretty funny ;) (sorry khou!) I just found this site looking for Jerry to thank him for everything and let him know that I turned out ok. My boyfriend at the time, Brian Finn, recently passed away and the memories are running rampant through my head. I dont know that Jerry would even remember us but I certainly remember him. I know it has been a while but still... my condolences to the family "

"Please except this expression of warm sympathy regarding the death of your loved one. The bible makes this promise: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither outcry nor pain, the former things have passed away" (Re. 21:4,5) . Jesus said: "The hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear my voice and come out". (John 5:28,29) "May the God of all comfort" be with you, and may you find peace in the wonderful resurrection hope."

"I recently wrote letters to the editor of the two main Madison newspapers: Capitol Times and Wisconsin State Journal. I wrote the letters as an appeal to put the Bibles back in Lowell Hall on campus that were removed due to a Freedom From Religion complaint. I dedicated the letters to the memory of my Gideon brother, Jerry Slavik, who (I said): worked very hard to get God's word out to people, whether it was behind church doors or in the public domain. Thanks, Jerry. You will be hard to replace. May God have mercy upon you. Bring the peace that passes all understanding to Koo and "Boy" (as Jerry called his stepson). Jesus used Jerry to do mighty works in the lives of others. Thank God for that and for this life and man we all loved deeply. "

"This is a my memory of Jerry Slavik. In 2010 I visited Wisconsin for a program in Agriculture and I was hosted by Schroeder's(owners of Schroeder's flowers).During the end of my program, I met Jerry Slavik at 1st Methodist Church("Fresh Bread" Contemporary Worship).With my last Sunday in Green Bay before leaving USA.I saw Jerry come running to me after the service after I gave a short sermon at Fresh Bread. He handed me a brown Gedion's New testament Bible in my hand. We planned a dinner at Julie's Cafe on Main street on Wednesday with my Flight on Friday. He explained to me about Gedion's Ministry. There is a small gift he gave me of a toy car.He told me to look at it.He told me to do one thing: not to drive it but let God always drive it.I learnt that the toy Car represented my Life. He then gave me 15 pieces of Gedion's bible which I came back with to Kenya and distributed out.Since I didn't have any contacts for the Gedion's International in Kenya, He got in contact with the regional coordinator of East Africa and introduced me and I was enrolled as a Gedion in Kenya. He successfully recruited a Gedion and equipped me with the best weapon(bible).It later came clear to me that that would be the calling of my life to serve God. In fact I am preparing my first sermon in two days. So there is someone who was handed a mantle to show others the way by this man Jerry. The greatest life to live to to live a life of directing people to Jesus. May the Lord rest His soul in eternal peace."

"Jerry was the greatest. whether a client, a family member, a friend, an associate, or a stranger, Jerry would find a way to bless. A stranger to Jerry was just a friend whom he hadn't had the pleasure to meet yet. I remember one time, when Jerry was teaching at a Bible Study about finances, his visual aid of "the money god" was hilarious. You are missed, my friend. I will remember, Jerry, that we are still in the same Body of Christ. You just moved to a different domicile. God Bless you, Jerry."

"I have truly been blessed to have known Jerry. He inspired me with his stories of handing out bibles in china and college campuses. He was so excited when anyone would take the word of God. He had such words of encouragement for me in my ministry. Jerry walked so closely with God his action showed such love and he spoke with such love about his savior. He will truly be missed. "

"Thank God that Jerry heard the Gospel and invited Jesus into his heart! It changed his life and all for the better and everyone around him. I just wish it could have ended differently. My heart goes out to his family and friends. The Country Express Truck Stop will miss him and his coffee and pie. Your old friend, Jack Forystek"

"Jerry will be missed. I recall how hard he worked with Tom Trukey and Allen Bjarnarson and myself to start Freedom House Mission Ministries. He was called to do the LORDS work and help the homeless families. He was always happy and devoted to GOD. He was a true friend,a devoted Husband and Father. He loved his Wife and Son very much. I had lost track of Jerry and only recently gotten back in touch with him. I am deeply saddened for his Wife and Son. Jerry was close to GOD and no doubt he is with JESUS now. My Prayers are with Khou ( his Wife) and his Son. "

"Here is the note we sent to Jerry's friends with the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil: Friends, Our 40 Days team has suffered another body blow with the recent death of Jerry Slavik. Jerry has been with this apostolate since 2008, manning a Sleep No More late morning shift. During last year's vigil he actually suffered a heart attack--and didn't know it! Jerry belonged to a "Giddeon's Bible" group that tirelessly hands out Bibles throughout the world. He's made several trips to China to do so, and his love of Christ was evident in this work, and what seemed to be an ever-present smile. Jerry had been struggling with health issues since his heart attack, when the end finally came last week. We commend the soul of this man into the arms of our loving and merciful Savior. Visitation will be at Legacy Chapel, 838 Fisk St. on Sun. March 16; 10am-Midnight. The next day, March 17 Mass will be celebrated at St. Jude, 1420 Division St., at 11am. There will be visitation at St. Jude's from 10am-11am, before Mass. Thank you for your devotion to spreading the Word and to cause of the unborn, Jerry. Rest in peace. "

"I will miss Jerry very much. He was a member of our Thursday morning Bible study (as he called it). We talked about our faith and how God was working in our lives. Jerry always listened closely to what people were saying, often waiting until all had spoken until he spoke. Jerry was so kind to my brother John when he joined our group and I will always be grateful to Jerry for that. He spoke often of his love and concern for Khou and Plua. We will miss you, Jerry. "

"I loved how Jerry frequently said "Consider yourself HUGGED!" He shared his love for God's word and the power of the Holy Spirit in an incredible way and opened my eyes to the true meaning of "The Lord is my Shepherd there is NOTHING I shall want" ...Psalm 23:1. I also remember his encouraging words Christian don't fight Christian. As he withdrew from society toward the end many of his systems were failing. The interactions and side effects of the many drugs clouded his reason and mission but it was not difficult to see the true Joy of HIS Spirit for our Lord and Redeemer."