John V. Slanina, 83, Rapid City, died Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, at his home.He was born Oct. 31, 1930, at Palmerton, PA, to Frank and Caroline Slanina. He attended both parochial and public school, graduating from Steven S. Palmer High School.In 1948, John enlisted into the U.S. Navy where he served on various warships in the Pacific and Atlantic fleets for 11 years, including the Battleship Wisconsin during the Korean conflict.In 1956, he united in marriage to Frances Hansut, in Palmerton. In 1959, John left the U.S. Navy and enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served in various career fields. His military career expanded for 23 yrs. until his retirement as a Chief Warrant Officer on May 1, 1971.From 1956 to 1975, John and his family resided in various military posts and parts of the country. In 1975, they moved to Rapid City where John worked in the housing management and real estate field. In 1989, he was hired as the executive director of the Pennington County Housing and Redevelopment Commission until his retirement in 1993.Upon his retirement, he was an active member of Hay Camp Woodcarver’s of the Black Hills. He loved his family, friends and country. He was a jovial and positive thinking person who believed in the Golden Rule.He is survived by his lovely wife of 57 years, Frances. Rapid City; sons, Steven (Linda) Slanina, Crown Point, IN, Robert (MaryAnn) Slanina, Rapid City; a daughter, Caroline (Jim) Orfei, Eagan, MN; and eight grandchildren, John, Rick, Kim, Nick, Michelle, Stephanie, Annelise, and Tony.He was preceded in death by a son, John, his parents and two brothers.