Slifka, Anthony Eugene "Sonny" 1939 - 2025

SLIFKA, GOLDSWORTHY, POST, TRIZZINO, MAROTTA, WILLIAMS, RICKLEFS, KAISER, GOODER, ROBERTS, LIENHARD, ZOBECK

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 2/8/2025 at 13:17:49

Anthony “Sonny” Eugene Slifka, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and cherished member of the Cresco community, passed away at the age of 86 on January 31, 2025. Born in Schley, Iowa, on January 24, 1939, Sonny grew up on a family acreage in Vernon Springs, where he spent much of his life.

Sonny was a proud 1958 graduate of Cresco High School, where he met and later married his high school sweetheart, Janice Goldsworthy. Together, they created a beautiful life and family in the community they loved.

From a young age, Sonny had a passion for working with his hands. He and his friends, self-proclaimed “gearheads,” spent countless hours modifying and restoring cars. Sonny’s natural artistic talent and love for cars flourished as he honed his skills in auto bodywork and painting, something he would carry with him throughout his life.

While still a junior in high school, Sonny joined the Army Reserves and, upon graduation, transitioned into active duty at Colorado Springs. There, he served in the motor pool, painting Army vehicles. His time in the service allowed him to further sharpen his craft and cement his lifelong passion for auto restoration.

After completing his service, Sonny returned to Cresco to marry Janice and began working with his father and brother in the family plumbing and heating business. He later took a job at Kratz Motors, painting tractors. During his 11 years at Kratz, Sonny expanded his skills into auto bodywork and painting cars, setting the stage for his next venture.

In 1970, Sonny opened Sonny’s Body Shop, a full-service auto body repair business. Over the years, he gained a loyal clientele, known for his exceptional skill and craftsmanship. Alongside running the body shop, Sonny co-owned the Cresco Laundromat and The Can House, a local can redemption center. His entrepreneurial spirit shone through in every endeavor.

After retiring from the auto body business in 1993, Sonny couldn’t stay away from cars for long. He started Ti-D-Car, a full-service car wash, cleanup business, and used car dealership. In his free time, he restored classic cars, performed part-time auto body repair, and even worked on golf carts. His most recent restoration project was a 1993 Chevy pickup, a testament to his ongoing passion for cars. Sonny also taught auto body repair at NEI Community College in Calmar and spent time mowing the fairway roughs at the Cresco Country Club.

A dedicated and active member of the Cresco community, Sonny was involved with the Cresco Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, and Fire Department, serving in various leadership roles. He was also a member of the Cresco Drift Runners snowmobile club and the Bluff Country Cruisers car club. Sonny was a devoted member of Cresco First United Methodist Church, contributing his time and talents to numerous church projects and serving in various trustee positions.

In his leisure time, Sonny enjoyed golfing and playing cards with friends and family. He cherished watching his children and grandchildren participate in their school activities and restoring classic cars. One of his proudest accomplishments was transforming a 1939 Chevy pickup into a street rod, which he and Janice took to classic car shows and on cruises. In 2000, the couple made a memorable trip along historic Route 66 in their PT Cruiser. They also served as the support vehicle for friends in the Great American Race, a cross-country vintage car race.

He is survived by his four children: Mark Slifka (Shari) from Riverdale, Rick Slifka (Rachel) from Cresco, Jeff Slifka (Beth) from Cresco and Kris Post (Steve) from Clear Lake. Sonny was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: David (Kristi) Slifka from Vadnais Heights, MN, Andrew (Rachel) Slifka from West Des Moines, Emma Trizzino (Nick) from Bettendorf, Claire Marotta (Zach) from Bettendorf, Samantha Williams (Chris) from Ankeny, Sonni Ricklefs (Tyler) from Des Moines, Elle Kaiser (Kevin) from San Franscico, CA, and Paige Kaiser (MyKayla) from New York City, NY. He was blessed with 14 great-grandchildren: James and Luca Slifka, Benjamin Slifka and brother to arrive in March, Caden, Cole and Tucker Trizzino, Adalynn, Archer and Annistyn Marotta, Maverick and Haley Williams, Hudson and Chloe Ricklefs.

Sonny is also survived by his sisters Rosie Gooder and Yvonne Roberts, his brothers-in-law Howard Goldsworthy (Jane) and Lynn Goldsworthy (Robin), his sister-in-law Linda Lienhard (Lindsay) and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Sonny is preceded in death by his beloved wife Janice, his parents Tony and Ella Slifka, his parents-in-law Cecil and Lola Goldsworthy, his sister and brother-in-law Betty and Laverne Zobeck, his brother and sister-in-law Jerry and Shirlee Slifka, his brothers-in-law Donald Gooder and Ronald Roberts, and his daughter-in-law Deb Slifka.

Sonny’s legacy of craftsmanship, dedication and love for his family and community will be cherished by all who knew him. His life was a testament to hard work, kindness and the joy of pursuing one’s passions.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Kendallville-Eddy Cemetery or Howard County Community Hospice.

Source: Schmelzer Funeral Home database