Robert Slicker

Robert Edward “Bob” Slicker, age 82, of Delaware, Ohio, passed away on April 15, 2025. He was born on March 25, 1943 and raised in Toledo, Ohio. Preceded in death by his parents Elwood and Mildred (Neitzel) Slicker. His beloved wife, Linda (Fetzer) Slicker reunited with him on May 1, 2025.

Bob graduated from the University of Toledo in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in Business—while holding down a full-time job at Owens-Illinois.

He married his high school sweetheart, Linda Fetzer, and they were still holding hands nearly 60 years later (and yes, she still laughed at his jokes—most of the time). Together, they raised two daughters, built a beautiful life, and enjoyed traveling, dining out and Buckeye football Saturdays.

Bob spent over 34 years at Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS) as their first Director of Quality Assurance, where he not only shaped the standard for excellence but also was a mentor to many colleagues. He created the Quality Control Lab at the New Miami plant, which was dedicated to him in 2009. In 2002, he was inducted into the ADS Ring Club.

Outside the office, Bob enjoyed hiking Central Ohio’s metro parks, devoured books and the Wall Street Journal with equal enthusiasm and could tell you where to find the best breakfast within a 30-mile radius. He was a proud volunteer with People in Need of Delaware County, a loyal member of the Delaware Kiwanis Club, and never missed a chance to serve his community or attend a men’s breakfast gathering (where we suspect he did more laughing than eating).

He is survived by daughters Cynthia (Michael) Woodruff, Laura Mottice, son-in-law Robert Mottice; and his cherished grandchildren Quinn and Elizabeth Mottice (fondly referred to by their Poppy as Hans and Franz) and two bonus grandchildren, Ashlyn and Austin Woodruff. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law Carol (Foster) Dreier, brother-in-law Phillip Fetzer, niece Joelle (Robert) Shearin, nephew Jason (Ursula) Dreier, godson Timothy Klostermeier, goddaughter Kimberly Kilby and a whole slew of friends who now have a Bob-sized hole in their breakfast rotation.

Bob will be remembered for his relentless work ethic, razor-sharp wit, deep kindness, and uncanny ability to make anyone feel like a lifelong friend in under five minutes. He didn’t just show up—he showed up early, brought donuts, and stayed to help clean up. His legacy is one of love, laughter, and a level of integrity you don’t see every day.

A celebration of Bob’s extraordinary life will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at the Worthington Presbyterian Church, 773 North High Street, Worthington, at 11am. The family invites you to join them immediately following the service for brunch at the Clintonville Woman’s Club, 3951 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214. In the meantime, raise a coffee mug in his honor—and make it black, the way he liked it.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bob’s memory to the Kiwanis Club of Delaware County, Kiwanis Club of Delaware County, Box 599, Delaware, Ohio 43015; or the Delaware County District Library, 84 East Winter St., Delaware, OH 43015—two places where he happily spent much of his time, energy, and generous spirit. For donations made by check, please include on the memo line "In memory of Bob Slicker".