Louie Slominski Sr, aka “Big Lou”, 82, of Minto, ND passed away in a motor vehicle accident on February 23, 2022.
Louie was born April 18, 1939 in Walshville Township the son of the late William and Mary (Ginter) Slominski. He attended school at Walshville Township District #20.
In his early years, Louie worked as a mechanic at Super Service Inc. and was united in marriage to Joan (Lizakowski) August 1, 1957.
Louie’s passion was custom harvesting and farming. Slominski Harvesting was a way of life, not just a business. Not only was he a loving father to his 7 children, he was also a “father’’ to many on his combining crew. He was a fun-loving extrovert that loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, living vicariously through their adventures. He truly was a child at heart.
He had a gift for teaching and empowering his crew no matter the gender. He was known for the ability to bring people to realize their full potential. He harvested throughout the Midwest and considered many of his customers family. His work ethic, drive and motivation were second to none. To him, there was no such thing as “can’t”. Whatever he did, he wanted it done right, the first time. His troubleshooting skills were sought out by many. He was known for his upbeat personality and his sense of humor, and would always help anyone, no matter what, no matter when, no matter how.
Combining always came first, showing up for the job and providing a timely harvest. He lived for the countless hours in the combine cab and the thrill of heading South. Developing life-long cherished connections along the way. His harvesting career was cut short to only 64 years.
Louie was a local legend in the snowmobiling community, selling and repairing snowmobiles for many years. He was also an active member and served as President of the Area Joyriders Snowmobile Club, famous for winning the Oldest Rider Award at many Snow Cat Runs.
As Big Lou would say, “and dat was dat”.
Louie is survived by his children: Sandra (Keith) Schrank, Grafton, ND; William (Kathryn) Slominski, Cave Creek, AZ; Daniel Slominski, Minto, ND; Sharon (Justin) Ross, East Grand Forks, MN; Louie Jr. “Bubba” (Sarah) Slominski, Minto, ND; Sara (Francois) du Toit, Minot, ND; 19 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild; his siblings: Dennis (Linda) Slominski, Minto, ND; Helen Effhauser, East Grand Forks, MN; Theresa Gerszewski, Grand Forks, ND; Margie Knaus, Grand Forks, ND; his special friend: Pat Sundall and her children; Angie and Sam of Presho, SD. Louie was preceded in death by his parents, wife Joan, daughter Sheila Manger and siblings: Stanley Slominski, Walter Slominski, Steve Slominski, BeBe Ann Bolek, and Arelia Osowski
Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, March 1st at 11 am at the Sacred Heart Church, Minto, ND. Visitation begins two hours prior to the service at the church. The funeral service will be followed by a Celebration of Life gathering at the Minto Community Center.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Minto Fire Department or Presho, SD, Fire Department.
Louie was born April 18, 1939 in Walshville Township the son of the late William and Mary (Ginter) Slominski. He attended school at Walshville Township District #20.
In his early years, Louie worked as a mechanic at Super Service Inc. and was united in marriage to Joan (Lizakowski) August 1, 1957.
Louie’s passion was custom harvesting and farming. Slominski Harvesting was a way of life, not just a business. Not only was he a loving father to his 7 children, he was also a “father’’ to many on his combining crew. He was a fun-loving extrovert that loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, living vicariously through their adventures. He truly was a child at heart.
He had a gift for teaching and empowering his crew no matter the gender. He was known for the ability to bring people to realize their full potential. He harvested throughout the Midwest and considered many of his customers family. His work ethic, drive and motivation were second to none. To him, there was no such thing as “can’t”. Whatever he did, he wanted it done right, the first time. His troubleshooting skills were sought out by many. He was known for his upbeat personality and his sense of humor, and would always help anyone, no matter what, no matter when, no matter how.
Combining always came first, showing up for the job and providing a timely harvest. He lived for the countless hours in the combine cab and the thrill of heading South. Developing life-long cherished connections along the way. His harvesting career was cut short to only 64 years.
Louie was a local legend in the snowmobiling community, selling and repairing snowmobiles for many years. He was also an active member and served as President of the Area Joyriders Snowmobile Club, famous for winning the Oldest Rider Award at many Snow Cat Runs.
As Big Lou would say, “and dat was dat”.
Louie is survived by his children: Sandra (Keith) Schrank, Grafton, ND; William (Kathryn) Slominski, Cave Creek, AZ; Daniel Slominski, Minto, ND; Sharon (Justin) Ross, East Grand Forks, MN; Louie Jr. “Bubba” (Sarah) Slominski, Minto, ND; Sara (Francois) du Toit, Minot, ND; 19 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild; his siblings: Dennis (Linda) Slominski, Minto, ND; Helen Effhauser, East Grand Forks, MN; Theresa Gerszewski, Grand Forks, ND; Margie Knaus, Grand Forks, ND; his special friend: Pat Sundall and her children; Angie and Sam of Presho, SD. Louie was preceded in death by his parents, wife Joan, daughter Sheila Manger and siblings: Stanley Slominski, Walter Slominski, Steve Slominski, BeBe Ann Bolek, and Arelia Osowski
Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, March 1st at 11 am at the Sacred Heart Church, Minto, ND. Visitation begins two hours prior to the service at the church. The funeral service will be followed by a Celebration of Life gathering at the Minto Community Center.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Minto Fire Department or Presho, SD, Fire Department.