Erna Lydia Slota

Erna Lydia Slota, 89 years of age, of Lakewood, Colorado, passed away on November 4, 2012. Erna Slota was born in Riga, Latvia on April 11, 1923. Adam and Anna Windekers were her parents who were originally from Russia. Erna had seven siblings; Adam, Anita, John, Zelma, Jeanette, Alfred and Erica. Erna grew up with her family in Riga until shortly after World War II. She would tell many fascinating stories of her father as a professional wrestler and working in the circus wrestling bears and performing strong man stunts. The family also owned a grocery store where Erna spent many hours baking her delicious rolls that would always sell well. She spent many summers herding sheep and working on farms to help the family. Toward the end of World War II, the Soviets were beginning to overtake Latvia, so Erna, her sisters and brothers that survived where trying to escape the occupation and flee to the neutral part of Germany occupied by the American troops. There she met my father, Frank Slota, who was a Master Sergeant in the Army Air Corp at a dance in Staubing, Germany. They married in September 1947 in Germany. Erna and Frank moved to the United States and her sister Jeanette, niece Bridget and brother Alfred lived with them until they all made lives for themselves. My father made a career of the US Air Force and traveled the world with Erna until he retired in 1964 in Denver. In the meantime, they adopted me, Brian Slota in Denver in 1956. Mom was always known for her outgoing personality. She loved to dance with my father and sing with the bands. She also enjoyed bowling, bingo and pinochle. Erna was also involved with the Catholic Church in the Lady's Sodality chapter at Lowry Air Force Base and was a long time member. Frank passed away in 1987, but that didn't stop Erna from enjoying life. She was always on the go and danced until she couldn't anymore in her 80's. Erna passed away from complications from kidney disease on November 4, 2012. Erna is preceded in death by her husband Frank. She is survived by her son Brian (Janet). A Visitation for Erna will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by the Recitation of the Rosary at 12:30 PM and a Funeral Service at 1:00 PM, all on Saturday, November 10, 2012 at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 11150 East Dartmouth Avenue, Aurora, Colorado. Please share memories and leave condolences by signing the guestbook.