John Steven Sleiziz

MADISON-John S. "Big John" Sleiziz, age 49, of Madison, passed away unexpectedly from cardiac arrest and complications on Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, surrounded by his family. He was born on April 24, 1967, in Madison, the son of Jeffrey (Sleiziz) Selles and Mary (Foesch) Sleiziz. John graduated from La Follette High School in 1985. He continued his studies at MATC and graduated with a degree in Marketing. John was employed at Shopko, Springs Window Fashions, and most recently, for the past two years, at Federal Industries in Belleville. In 2010, John returned to MATC to study printing. He created handmade cards and stationary with the antique presses at Hamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum. John had many interests and hobbies, including travel, camping at Pattison State Park and Lake Superior, gardening, and genealogy and history. He was an Old World Wisconsin volunteer, a member of Madison Vilnius Sister Cities, Inc., and the Sons of Norway, where he celebrated his Lithuanian and Norwegian heritage. He was a past member of the C.C. Riders. John mentored Toney in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization. He had a big heart and cared deeply for animals, especially cats, and he volunteered with multiple Humane Societies throughout Wisconsin. A selfless and compassionate person, he always made time for his friends and family. John is survived by his mother, Mary A. (David) Brockert; father, Jeffrey (Geraldine) Selles; sisters, Christine Clarke and Lauren (Duriel) Johnson; nieces Sierra Houston and Calla Johnson; nephew, Niles Johnson; loving aunts, especially Peg Wyttenbach; uncles and cousins; step-grandmother, A. Mary Brockert; other extended family; and his beloved cat, Grace. He was preceded in death by his grandparents. A visitation will be held on Friday, Sept. 30, 2016, at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 12 Noon, followed by a Celebration of Life at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be gifted in John's name to the Jefferson County Humane Society or the American Diabetes Association. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to John's co-workers and first responders at Federal Industries, Belleville EMTs, UW Hospital ER and CICU staff, especially Neal for his kind words and compassion. We will miss John's smile, thoughtfulness, and quirky sense of humor. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420