Michael Jerome Slechta

Cottage Grove - Michael Slechta, age 84, of Cottage Grove, passed away on Monday, April 25, 2022, at home surrounded by his family. He was born on April 25, 1938, in Madison, the son of Jerome and Margaret (Weissmann) Slechta.

Mike graduated from Jefferson High School and attended Ripon College. He served in the U.S. Air Force in the late 1950s for six years. Mike married Sharon (Dobrick) Slechta on June 14, 1986. He worked as a plant supervisor for Carnation/Nestle, retiring in 1999.

Mike was very involved in the History Channel’s Great American Race, in which he participated with his brother, Dennis, four times. He was a lifelong motorcyclist who participated in multiple off-road events which included the Crandon Brush Run. Mike was also an active participant in the Aztalan motorcycle track. He enjoyed traveling the country and the world with his wife, Sharon. Mike was a British car enthusiast who owned various collector cars. He was a Badger Honor Flight volunteer and a member of the Madison MG Club and the American Motorcycle Association.

Mike is survived by his wife, Sharon; two sons, Christopher Slechta and Peter Slechta; granddaughter, Tori Lee Slechta; two stepsons, Mark Burge (Tina Cisneros and son, Thomas Cisneros) and Michael (Nancee) Burge; two step grandsons, Nick (Meg) Burge and Zach Burge; and one step great-grandson, Jack Burge.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Margaret Slechta; son, Michael Slechta Jr.; and brother, Dennis Slechta.

A private service will be held for the family. A gathering to honor and remember Mike will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Jefferson Humane Society, Badger Honor Flight, or Messiah Lutheran Church.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420