1920
William
2011
William Slager, Jr
December 7, 1920 — May 7, 2011
SLAGER, William Jr.
of Portage Bill passed away Saturday, May 7, 2011. He was born December 7, 1920 in Kalamazoo, the last of nine children to William Sr. and Jenny Stickle Slager. Bill was a veteran of the United States Army Air Corps in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. He was a sergeant, mechanic and crew chief on a C-47 with the 9th Troop Carrier Squadron delivering supplies and mail throughout the Pacific Islands. As crew chief, he acted as a nurse while transporting badly wounded soldiers, sailors, and marines. He participated in the first air drop of much needed ammunition and medical supplies during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Bill was awarded the Air Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four battle stars and the Good Conduct Medal. On July 20, 1946, he was united in marriage to Freda Sharpsteen in Kalamazoo. Bill was employed by the United States Postal Service for 31 years as a letter carrier, serving the Southland Mall area for more than 10 years, until his retirement in 1981. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, golfing and playing horseshoes. Preceding him in death were his wife of 59 years, Freda Slager, his parents, and eight brothers and sisters. Surviving are three sons, Douglas Debra Slager of Portage, Ken Belinda Slager of Schoolcraft, and Robert Darlene Slager of Portage; six grandchildren, Eric Slager, Adam Slager, Ellie JJ Kelecava, Ken Slager Jr., Jessica Slager and Cody Slager; five great-grandchildren, Mason, Lindsay, Hailey, Buddy and Hannah; numerous nieces and nephews, and special friend, Mable Wahley of Fulton. Funeral services for Bill will be at 12:30 PM on Friday at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Avenue, with Pastor Pat Clarey officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Friends may visit with the family from 6-8 PM on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Please visit www.langelands.com to sign, view or print Bill's online guestbook or leave a condolence to the family.
of Portage Bill passed away Saturday, May 7, 2011. He was born December 7, 1920 in Kalamazoo, the last of nine children to William Sr. and Jenny Stickle Slager. Bill was a veteran of the United States Army Air Corps in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. He was a sergeant, mechanic and crew chief on a C-47 with the 9th Troop Carrier Squadron delivering supplies and mail throughout the Pacific Islands. As crew chief, he acted as a nurse while transporting badly wounded soldiers, sailors, and marines. He participated in the first air drop of much needed ammunition and medical supplies during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Bill was awarded the Air Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four battle stars and the Good Conduct Medal. On July 20, 1946, he was united in marriage to Freda Sharpsteen in Kalamazoo. Bill was employed by the United States Postal Service for 31 years as a letter carrier, serving the Southland Mall area for more than 10 years, until his retirement in 1981. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, golfing and playing horseshoes. Preceding him in death were his wife of 59 years, Freda Slager, his parents, and eight brothers and sisters. Surviving are three sons, Douglas Debra Slager of Portage, Ken Belinda Slager of Schoolcraft, and Robert Darlene Slager of Portage; six grandchildren, Eric Slager, Adam Slager, Ellie JJ Kelecava, Ken Slager Jr., Jessica Slager and Cody Slager; five great-grandchildren, Mason, Lindsay, Hailey, Buddy and Hannah; numerous nieces and nephews, and special friend, Mable Wahley of Fulton. Funeral services for Bill will be at 12:30 PM on Friday at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Avenue, with Pastor Pat Clarey officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Friends may visit with the family from 6-8 PM on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Please visit www.langelands.com to sign, view or print Bill's online guestbook or leave a condolence to the family.
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