Obituary of Dennis Slechta

Dennis P. Slechta, 73, passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2017. A Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00pm -7:00pm, Friday, April 28, 2017, The Grand Hall, Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau, 636 S. Main Street, Grapevine, Texas. Dennis Patrick Slechta was born on January 7, 1944 in Madison, Wisconsin, to Jerome and Margaret Slechta. He was an avid Car and Motorcycle enthusiast and owner, who enjoyed travel, adventure and brought his own zest for life to everyone and everything he touched. His love for cars led him to many cross country road races with his brother and he enjoyed venturing to car and motorcycle events throughout the world with friends. Dennis, affectionately known as “Panda”, opened Panda Embroidery & Sportswear in Grapevine in 1985, after a much loved career as an Air Traffic Controller. Through his business, he was a passionate supporter of The Grapevine Chamber of Commerce and numerous civic and non-profit organizations – A true Ambassador for all things Grapevine. Through his dedication and love for the Grapevine Community, Dennis was awarded the Don Ramey Community Spirit Award in 2009 and together with his son Paul, Panda Embroidery was selected to the Business Hall of Fame in 2012 and received the Member of the Year Award in 2013. His infectious spirit and passion for life will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him or crossed his path – Panda never met a stranger. Dennis is survived by his wife Shelley A. Slechta; Son, Paul Slechta and his wife Tiffany; Daughters, Theresa Slechta and Kristin Slechta and her wife Nikki; Brother, Michael Slechta and his wife Sharon; Grandchildren, Katelyn and Tucker Slechta, and Trevor and Alex Ellis; Step-children, Jacqueline and William Ruddick; and numerous extended family. If you choose, please make your kind donations to The Leukemia Society in memory of Dennis Slechta can be directed through the link provided. http://events.lls.org/pages/ntx/InMemoryofDennisPatrickSlechta The Grapevine Rotary will be dedicating the Carter Bloodcare Blood Drive in memory of Dennis “Panda” Slechta on Wednesday May 3, 2017 at the following locations and times: The REC in Grapevine, 1175 Municipal Way, Grapevine, 8:00am – 5:00pm. Wise Guys Pizzeria, 3225 S. Park Boulevard, Grapevine, 2:00pm – 8:00pm.