Gerald John Sletten

Gerald "Jerry" Sletten, age 87, of Marshall, Minnesota, died on Monday, January 30, 2023, at Essentia Health in Fargo, North Dakota. Memorial Services are 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 6, 2023, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Marshall, Minnesota, with Military Honors to follow the service, also at church. Interment then be in the Marshall Cemetery. Visitation will be held just before the service on Monday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his service at 11:00 a.m., at the church.

Gerald John Sletten was born on June 9, 1935, in Willmar, Minnesota. He was the son of Selmer and Alma (Johnson) Sletten. He grew up in Willmar where he was baptized on August 25, 1935, and later confirmed on September 10, 1950, both at Vinje Lutheran Church. Jerry graduated from Wilmar High School with the class of 1953 and went on to further his education at St. Olaf College. After a few years serving with the United States Army Reserve, Jerry began his teaching career in Waubun and then Clarkfield, Minnesota. Jerry then took a job in Marshall where he met fellow teacher, Ms. Norma Oslund.

On June 15, 1968, Jerry and Norma were united in marriage at the First Lutheran Church in Renville, Minnesota. The couple lived in Marshall their entire married life and raised two daughters: Sonja and Laura. Jerry and Norma shared over 54 years of marriage together.

Jerry devoted his life to education and volunteering in his community. He spent over 36 years teaching, 29 of those in Marshall, prior to his retirement in 1993. His impact was felt beyond the classroom as he invested in the students by coaching multiple sports, namely wrestling. Jerry was also a member of the Marshall American Legion and a long-time volunteer at both the auxiliary thrift shop and for the United Way. Jerry was also a member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church and dedicated his time in various roles which supported the congregation. His other enjoyments in life included traveling, fishing, walking, biking, baking - especially lefse and krumkake, and relaxing with a good book.

Gerald Sletten died on Monday, January 30, 2023, in Fargo, North Dakota. He had reached the age of 87 years, 7 months, and 23 days. Blessed be his memory.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Norma Sletten of Marshall; daughters, Sonja (and Troy) Balken of Dilworth, MN, Laura (and Kyle) Kuhnke of Plainfield, IL; 4 grandchildren, Ellie Balken, Brenna Balken, Brandon Kuhnke, Rachel Kuhnke; sister, Gail (and John) Robertson of Vilas, NC; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Selmer and Alma Sletten.