Wilford Sletten, 85, of Thief River Falls, MN died peacefully on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at his residence with his family at his side.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Pastor Bruce Fischer officiating.  Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN.  Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Ecklund-Holmstrom Post #117, Veterans Of Foreign Wars Post #2793 and the Minnesota Army National Guard Honor Guard.

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Monday, May 15, 2017 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN.  Visitation also one hour prior to the funeral on Tuesday.

Wilford  Menton Sletten was born September 1, 1931 in Lee Township, Beltrami County, near Grygla, MN, the son of Oluf and Mabel (Thronson) Sletten.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church, Cudahy, WI.  He attended school in Grygla, MN.  Wilford's mother was very instrumental in developing his Christian faith.

Wilford lived from 1956-1960 at Cudahy and worked at Cudahy Brothers Packing Company.

He entered the United States Air Force, where he served his country during the Korean Conflict from 1951-1956.  During his tour of duty in France, he earned his G.E.D.  Wilford was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal and UN Service Medal.  Wilford was a gifted musician.  He played the violin in USO Shows as well as guitar with his family.

In 1957, Wilford married Marion Ness in Cudahy, WI.  The couple moved to Thief River Falls, MN and in 1960, he began working for Joppru's.  Marion died February of 1994.

Wilford married Phyllis Paulson in October of 1995 at Silverton Lutheran Church, rural Thief River Falls, MN.

He was a member of Evangelical Free Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, MN.  He was an outstanding family man and husband; and was a good example for everyone who knew him.

Wilford is survived by wife, Phyllis, Thief River Falls, MN; sons, Daniel Sletten, Thief River Falls, MN, Steve (Leah) Sletten, Warroad, MN and Mark Sletten, Thief River Falls, MN; sister, Bernice Sistad; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Sletten and Adeline Sletten; step-son, Mark Paulson; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by wife, Marion; sons, David in 1977 and Randy in 1965; parents; sisters, Ardith (Joe) Stenen and Florence (Orville) Maidment; brothers, Orin, Harvey (Iris), Willard (Wilford's twin), Howard (AnnaMae), Orvis (Lorraine), Bill (Eunice), Clarence, Marvin (Mabel) and Melford; daughter-in-law, Linda Sletten; and brother-in-law, Arvid Sistad.