1982-2022
In loving Memory of Michael Roy Slezak
The JARC Family is heartbroken to learn of the tragic and untimely passing of our dear friend and colleague, Mike Slezak, on November 28. Mike passed away after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 40 years old. He leaves behind a loving wife, Hayley, and a daughter, Jean.
Mike joined the JARC team in 2012, and he was promoted to Director of Business and Workforce Services in 2014. While at JARC, he met and fell in love with Hayley Crabb, then JARC’s Director of Development and Communications. Mike and Hayley moved to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area in 2018, where Mike continued his career in economic development, and Hayley continued her career in non-profit. They were married and have a beautiful young girl.
We are stunned and saddened by this loss, but we are drawing on a flood of positive and joyful memories. Mike embodied the best of JARC: creative, talented, humble, curious, and – above all – idealistic, in the best sense of the word. He was warm, authentic and gentle. He brought humor and optimism to every interaction and every situation. He was dear to all of us, and he is sorely missed.
Our hearts go out to Hayley and Jean and both families. We hope that Mike’s memories will comfort them as they grieve this loss. At JARC, we will always be inspired to work toward building warmer communities and better futures for workers and job seekers and their families. Mike’s gentle spirit will be there with us.
The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to the National Park Foundation or to Urban Boatbuilders in St. Paul, MN – causes that were close to Michael’s heart.