Dominik "The Dominator" Slevatz

Independent, curious, creative, and kind, Dominik Slevatz lived each moment to its fullest, learning and growing at every turn. Dominik recognized that with great gifts come great responsibilities; he led with his heart and was quick to use his gifts to lighten others' burdens. With a sophisticated, wry sense of humor, Dominik pursued his passions with enthusiasm and focus, constantly looking for ways to actively grow his talents. In so many ways, Dominik's spirit was larger than life and earned him the nickname, "The Dominator.” Cherished son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend, Dominik's bright light will continue to shine in the hearts of those he so deeply loved.

2001 was a year of incredible change. As the Apple Computer Company released its iTunes program and NASA landed the first spacecraft on an asteroid, the year began with much hope and national pride. No where was there more hope than in the home of Sanders Slevatz and Lisa Mills Davis welcomed their son, Dominik, into their hearts and home on May 20.

Full of life and love, Dominik possessed an inquisitive nature and aptitude for solving puzzles. He walked and talked early and was precocious and witty beyond his years. With an engineer's mind, he relished putting things together and passionately pursued his interests; if he was interested in something, he loved learning it. He enjoyed watching anime and was fascinated with Pokémon, particularly Pikachu.

As a teen, Dominik developed a sarcastic, snappy wit and an appreciation for the finer things in life. The more expensive, the better; snow crab and filet mignon were his favorites. He attended Valley Center School and Loy Norrix High School, where he took Advanced Placement classes and was on the Honor Roll. Dominik enjoyed reading books about science, math, and fiction series like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. He possessed a remarkable knack for retaining information he read.

Dominik's kind, soft-hearted nature attracted all sorts of animals, even when he was a toddler; mostly dogs and cats, but an occasional goose found him worthy of investigating (and attacking). Dominik loved his pet cats and Tyrone, his trusted canine companion, and always had time to show them affection.

One of Dominik's greatest loves was spending time with his grandpas. He and Grandpa Dick enjoyed planning and creating wonderful woodwork, including turning bowls on a lathe, various knick-knacks, and even a longboard! Grandpa Dick also had horses and named one after Dominik. Grandpa Richard was Dominik's fishing buddy. He and "Poppy" spent many afternoons casting their lines and enjoying the hopes of catching a lunker. Fishing in South Haven on the banks of the Black River made for a relaxing getaway and perch sandwiches at The Idler made for the perfect pit stop.

Dominik had many interests, including cooking. He was comfortable being in the kitchen with family, mixing his own spices, and helping prepare meals. He looked forward to learning and making new recipes, often with his own creative ingredients. He enjoyed independent sports and taught himself new skills on his longboard, rip stick, and snowboard. He was a self-taught swimmer and loved mountain biking. He rode countless miles through rough country terrain, enthusiastically pushing himself to conquer more difficult trails, jumps, and turns. He climbed and careened with courage and an inspiring sense of adventure. Though he broke many tires and parts along the way, he loved the freedom cycling provided. In hopes of sharing his love of the trails with underprivileged kids he volunteered for Open Roads, a local cycling organization focused on engaging and empowering youth to learn practical life skills through bicycling. He learned the mechanics of building and repairing bicycles and proudly built a bike for an underprivileged child.

Stamp and coin collecting were also interests of Dominik's that perhaps jumpstarted his investing. The excitement of making money and watching it grow was simply thrilling. He kept a close eye on his stock and cryptocurrency investments on Robinhood. A self-proclaimed "world-class hacker," Dominik also began developing websites at a very young age, enjoying using his logical mind to skillfully bring his vision to life.

While Dominik enjoyed exploring the local trails and waters, he also enjoyed taking special trips. Whether camping, traveling to Clearwater, Florida with his dad, spending the day at the beach in South Haven, Dominik welcomed the opportunity to be outdoors and explore nature's wonders. He also loved music, particularly death metal and his favorite tunes by The Black Dahlia Murder and the creative compilations of DJ Skrillex. From time to time he’d jot down his own lyrics and even made his own guitar. With signature attention to detail and creativity, Dominik took apart and rebuilt the guitar, painting it with an incredible custom design.

Without a doubt, it is difficult to imagine life in the absence of Dominik's creativity, humor, and generosity. May we find comfort in carrying his legacy forward with each moment we freely give of our talents, conquer a goal, create something new, inspire a laugh, and cast our line. Though his days with us were far too few, the gift of his life will long be remembered in the hearts and lives of those who were blessed to know him.

Dominik "The Dominator" Slevatz, age 19, died unexpectedly on May 11, 2021. Dominik was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard and Lorraine Mills, and his cousin, Kara Fester. Surviving are his parents: Lisa (Jeffrey) Mills Davis and Sanders (Laura) Slevatz; siblings: Marcus Pikkaart, MacKenzie Pikkaart, Grant Pikkaart, Mary Ellen Davis, and Laura Davis; grandparents: Richard (Evon) Slevatz; aunts and uncles: Robin (Chuck) Beacham and Cassandra Mills (fiancé Brandon); cousins: Alana (Johnny) Barone and Anna Fester; and many extended family members.

Cremation has taken place. A Life Story Gathering for friends and family will be held 4-7 PM Friday (MAY 21) at Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Home, 60900 M-40 Hwy, Paw Paw (269) 657-3870. A private funeral will be held with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery. A luncheon will be held 1 PM Saturday (MAY 22) at the home of Richard and Evon Slevatz, 72819 M-40 Hwy, Lawton.

Visit Dominik's personal webpage at www.BetzlerLifeStory.com, where you may read his Life Story, archive a favorite memory or photo, and sign his online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to Interact of Michigan, Kalamazoo Chapter.