Robin Joan (Custer) Sladek passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend.
She was born Aug. 11, 1966, in Franklin, to Garry Custer and Carolyn (Toombs) Custer. Robin grew up in Lincoln and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1984. She was baptized and confirmed in the Methodist faith. As a child, Robin was active in Blue Birds Girl Scouts, 4-H and 4-H Riding Club.
Robin was united in marriage to Gene Sladek, Jr., on Oct. 15, 1994, at Grace United Methodist Church in Crete. To this union, their son, Justin, was born. Family, especially motherhood, was everything to Robin.
She worked for 10 years as a supervisor at Royal Linens and spent 27 years working for Kawasaki in Lincoln, the last eight as a supervisor. Known for her strong work ethic and can-do attitude, she brought her whole self to her work and remained a dedicated employee until her illness no longer allowed her to continue.
Robin was the family’s social director, always planning and organizing reunions and gatherings whenever the opportunity arose. She cherished time spent with loved ones: playing games, sharing memories of growing up with cousins who doubled as best friends, and making sure no one ever went hungry.
In addition to giving to her work and her family, Robin was a member of the Clatonia Methodist Church, she served as a Sunday school helper and participated in Methodist Youth Fellowship. She was also a past member of the Crete Eagles Club.
Known for her loving heart and welcoming nature, Robin opened her heart, her home, and her life to all. She was especially looking forward to officially welcoming Destinie into the Sladek family this September when Justin and Destinie will be married.
Robin was preceded in death by her father, Garry Custer; her grandparents, Louie and Clara Custer and Wayne and Maxine Toombs; and her parents-in-law, Gene Sr. and Janice Sladek.
She is survived by husband, Gene; son, Justin, and fiancée, Destinie Clarke; Delena Sladek, of whom she was guardian; and granddog, Toby, all of Crete; mother, Carolyn (Allen) Cox of New Market, Iowa; step-mother, Judy Custer of Minden; sister, Carla (Marty) Puchalla of Lincoln; brother, Terry Custer of Omaha; sister, Kathy (Ronnie) Martinez of Elkhart, Indiana; brother, Cavin (Sue) Cox of New Market, Iowa; sister Pam (Paul) Lassiter of Whitakers, North Carolina; brother-in-law, Dale Sladek of Crete; sisters-in-law, Carla (Chris) Hansmeyer of Hallam, Amy (Alan) Kvasnicka of Wilber; and Jennifer Sladek of Beatrice; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
The funeral service will be Thursday, April 16, at 11 a.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 15, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Matthew Custer, Jake Custer, Taylor Sladek, Jonis Sladek, Trevor Kvasnicka, Logan Sladek, Austin Kvasnicka and Keith Kvasnicka. Memorial contributions are suggested in care of the family for future designation.
Arrangements by to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.
