Shirly E. Sletten, 78, of Owatonna, died Sunday, June 20, 2010, at the Owatonna Commons surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Dec. 19, 1931, in Austin, the son of Arthur and Mabel (Trae) Sletten. Shirly graduated from Ellendale High School and in August 1951, he enlisted in the Army. He served in the Korean War from 1951 to 1954. On Feb. 6, 1955, he married Irene Flugum, and the couple moved to Owatonna. Shirly worked at Lerberg’s Grocery Store in Ellendale and then later worked for Jostens in Owatonna. After retiring from Jostens he worked for Jerome Foods for a short time. He was a lifetime member of the VFW, and a member of Moland Lutheran Church. He enjoyed working on cars and tractors.
He is survived by his wife, Irene Sletten of Owatonna; children, Sandy (and Ted) Rickerl of Owatonna, Steve (Sherry) Sletten of Owatonna, Art (Maureen) Sletten of Utica, Eric (Sara) Sletten of Owatonna, Oscar (Jackie) Sletten of Owatonna, and Brian (Sarah) Sletten of Owatonna; 18 grandchildren; and one brother, Edward (Terrie) Sletten, of Ellendale.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Milton; infant son, Scott; and a stillborn daughter.
Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. and at the church one hour prior to the service. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna with the Rev. Nancy Edwardson officiating. Interment will be in the East Freeborn Cemetery near Albert Lea. The Steele County Military Funeral Unit will provide honors.