Gary Sletten, 47, went to be with our heavenly Father Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at MeritCare Hospital, Fargo, ND.

Funeral service will be 2 PM, Saturday, May 3, 2008 at Grace Lutheran Church, Grygla, MN with Reverend Gary Gilthvedt officiating. Burial will be at St. Olaf Cemetery, Grygla, MN.

Visitation will be 5 " 7 PM, Friday, May 2, 2008 at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls with a 7 PM prayer service and for one hour prior to the service at the church, Saturday.

Gary Roy Sletten was born April 17, 1961 at Roseau, MN, the son of LeRoy and Mary (Holmes) Sletten. Gary was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church, Grygla. He attended school at Grygla, graduating in 1979. Gary moved to Wyoming and worked the oil rigs for a time and then moved back to Grygla. He then started work at Marvin Windows in 1983 where he was a lead person for many years.

On February 10, 1995 he was united in marriage to Kathy Olson.

In 1997 he went to work at Polaris Industries and worked there as a welder until he became ill in 2005. Farming was his passion-Gary owned and operated 240 acres northeast of Grygla.

Gary liked hunting, 4-wheeling, anything outdoors, watching football, ice fishing and going to auction sales. He very much enjoyed spending time with family and friends, treasuring his time with Tanner My Boy.

Gary was very steadfast in his love and faith, through Gary many drew their strength. He always Got the Ball Rolling, and encouraged many to achieve their goals. He believed in perseverance and overcoming obstacles. Gary had a special connection with Jesus and each and every one of us.

He is survived by son, Tanner, Grygla, MN; step-sons, Chris (Jill) Olson, Badger, MN and Jeremy Olson, Fargo, ND; mother, Mary, Grygla, MN; brothers and sisters, Verne Sletten, Grygla, MN, Karen (Arnie) Nelson, Wannaska, MN, Shirley (Schell) Dahl, Roseau, MN and Duane Sletten, Grygla, MN; nieces and nephews, Desirae (Justin) Iverson, Thief River Falls, MN, Nate Sletten, Grygla, MN, Jake Sletten, Grand Forks, ND, Michelle (Kevin) Larson, Salol, MN, Shane Nelson, Wannaska, MN, Ericka Dahl, Eden Prairie, MN, Kristi (Chris) Wensloff, Badger, MN, Amber Dahl, St. Francis, MN, Teria (Kyle) Jensen, Brainerd, MN, Meranda Anderson, Thief River Falls, MN, Nick Sletten, Grygla, MN and many great nieces, nephews and cousins; 2 aunts, Mildred Sorenson, Grygla, MN and JoAnn (Duane) Hovet, Chawana, Wisconsin.

Gary was preceded in death by father LeRoy; grandparents, Adolph and Tillie Sletten and Gust and Anna Holmes and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Gary Sletten went to be with our heavenly Father Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at MeritCare Hospital, Fargo, ND at the age of 47 years and 12 days. May his memory be blessed.

Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

ORGANIST: Joy Nordby
SOLOIST: Jodi Kirkeide
SELECTIONS: Take My Hand, In The Garden
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Amazing Grace and What a Friend We Have in Jesus
CASKETBEARERS: Mike Englund, Richard Nordby, Tim Anderson, Wes Smith, Gerald OBrien, David Mugaas