Mary (Slapnicka) Schleis, age 99 of Wilber, NE, died December 23, 2022 in Crete, NE.

She was born May 2, 1923 in Saline County, NE to James and Marie (Mafka) Slapnicka and lived all her life in Wilber, where she attended Wilber High School and graduated in 1942. She was united in marriage to Wencil Schleis on June 10, 1942 and they celebrated 60 years of marriage before his passing in 2002. Mary worked for Wissenburg Drug Store and Barnas Drug (George and Steve Barnas) for over 37 ½ years and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 71 Years, the Wilber Fire Women's Auxiliary, the EX-POW Lincoln Chapter, and Extension Club.

Mary enjoyed her family time, camping, school activities, slot machines at the casino, and traveling. She was a fan of NBA Basketball and Nebraska Football.

She was preceded in death by her husband Wencil, parents James and Marie Slapnicka, sister Sylvia at age three, daughter-in-law Elizabeth Schleis, brothers-in-law Warren Schleis and Milo Schleis, sisters-in-law Elisabeth Schleis and Marguerite Engel.

Mary is survived by her son Herbert Gene Schleis and special friend Barbara of Sapulpa, OK, daughter Cynthia Ann Kalkwarf and husband Dave of Wilber, NE, sister Ann Wollenburg of DeWitt, NE, and sister-in-law Elaine Schleis of Wilber, NE.  Five grandchildren: Brenda Watson and husband Tim of Wilber, Bradley Kalkwarf and wife Kelly of Wilber, Amy Guthmiller and husband Gary of UT, Benjamin Schleis and wife Gladish of England, and Catherine Schleis of AZ.  Great-grandchildren: Trevor Watson and wife Abby of Wilber, Clinton Watson and wife Shelby of Adams, Jacqueline, Thea Mary and Emerson Kalkwarf of Wilber, Sydney Armstrong of CO, and Olivia Armstrong of AZ. Great-great-grandchildren: Harper and Hayes Watson of Wilber, Halsey and Lathan Watson of Adams.

Services will be on Monday, January 2, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber.  Viewing & Guest Book Signing will be Friday, December 30th from 3 – 6 PM at the funeral home (family will not be present).  Memorials are designated to Wilber Fire & Rescue.  Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber.