Milford H. Sletten

Milford Sletten passed away Wednesday July 19, 2023, at Vineyard Assisted Living. Milford Harlan Sletten was born April 3, 1929, on the family farm near Churchs Ferry, ND. He was the eighth of nine children of Henry Sletten and Hilda (Welo) Sletten. Growing up on the farm during the difficult years of the Depression, Milford learned how to be careful with his money and how to use it wisely. He graduated from Churchs Ferry High School in 1947 and received a bachelor’s degree in History from North Dakota State University in 1959.

Milford spent many years working on the farm owned by the Barrett family east of Churchs Ferry, first for Reuben Overland, and then taking over the farm after Reuben retired in 1967. He spent his winters traveling, often going to visit family and friends on the West Coast.  While visiting friends in the Kalamazoo area during the 1968 Christmas holidays, he was set up on a New Year’s Eve blind date with Jeanne Alwood Hanna, a widowed schoolteacher with two daughters. They immediately clicked and were married December 28,1969. Jeanne moved to North Dakota farm where they worked the farm until retiring in 1992. They bought a house in Galesburg, MI to be near their daughters and granddaughters.

Milford suffered from impaired hearing his entire life, but despite these limitations served his community in many ways. He was a member of the Elks and Masons in North Dakota and served as Coulee Township treasurer. At Zion Lutheran Church in Churchs Ferry he served on the church council. In Kalamazoo, he joined Lutheran Church of the Savior and did yard maintenance around the church for many years. He also loved tinkering around his house and working on his cars.  Despite the issues with his hearing, he always enjoyed gathering with friends and family, playing cards, and listening to classical music, especially Beethoven.

Milford was preceded in death by his wife Jeanne in 2007, three sisters, Enid Verke Hansen, Ruth Myhre, and Fern Daniels; and five brothers, Willis, Harold, Robert, Victor and Bernard Sletten. He is survived by two daughters, Judy Hanna of Kalamazoo and Jackie Hanna of Portage, two granddaughters, Robin Rzepczynski of Benton Harbor and Kelsey and Tom Alrick of Charlotte NC, two great-granddaughters; two sisters-in-law in California, Barbara and Darlene Sletten, and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may gather with Milford's family on Wednesday, August 16th, from 10:00-11:00 AM at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S. 9th Street, Kalamazoo, where his memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, with Rev. Caroline Meyers officiating.

The family would like to thank Vineyard Assisted Living and Centrica Care Navigators for their devoted care for Milford.

Memorials in lieu of flowers:

Lutheran Church of the Savior

3616 East G Avenue

Kalamazoo, MI 49004

http://www.lcoskzoo.com/

Centrica Care Navigators

7100 Stadium Drive

Kalamazoo, MI 49009

https://centricacare.org/

NDSU Foundation

1241 North University Drive

Fargo, ND 58102

https://ndsufoundation.com/