Cleve Sletto

Cleve T. Sletto, 95, died Monday, October 17, 2011, at the Knute Nelson Home in Alexandria. Cleve was born April 6, 1916 in Urness Township, rural Brandon, Minnesota, the son of Theodore and Carrie (Johnson) Sletto. He was baptized and confirmed at West Moe Lutheran Church and attended District 44 school. Cleve farmed with his dad and brother, and later he bought land and began farming on his own. On august 20, 1948, Cleve married Jo Skavanger at the West Moe parsonage. They continued farming until 1955, when they purchased the Maryland Resort on Lake Mary, near Alexandria. Cleve and Jo operated the resort until their retirement in 1979. They built their retirement home on a small acreage beside Lake Mary. Cleve and Jo moved to Nelson Gables in Alexandria in 2008 and to the Knute Nelson Home in 2009. Cleve was actively involved at West Moe Church throughout his life. He loved farming and cutting wood, and he continued doing both until the age of 91. Cleve enjoyed visiting with people, including the guests at the Maryland Resort ? many of whom came back year after year and became like members of the family. A number of them continued to visit Cleve and Jo every summer, long after they sold the resort. During semi-retirement, Cleve worked part-time for his nephew at Ron?s Warehouse. He also began building collector quality doll houses, sometimes getting so involved with his work that he lost track of time and continued late into the night. Cleve was a true craftsman, and he loved working with wood. He was a good neighbor, always willing to lend a hand. He was a wonderful father, father-in-law, and grandfather. He was devoted to this wife. Cleve was a kind and gentle man and he will be missed. Cleve is survived by Jo, his wife of 63 years; son Terry (Kathy) of Alexandria; grandchildren Christopher Sletto of Avon, Colorado, Jon Miller of Avon, Colorado, and Beth (Jeremy) Hill of Savage, Minnesota; great-grandchildren Kaiden, Ryden and Berkley Hill of Savage; as well as ten nephews, one niece, and a number of cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Melvin (Edith) and Tomford (Martha) Sletto; sisters Mildred (Walter) Johnson and Alta (Sidney) Wadleigh. Funeral services were held on Thursday, October 20 at 11 AM at West Moe Lutheran Church of rural Brandon with the Rev. Donald Clifford officiating. Music provided by organist, Barb Gulbrason. Interment was at West Moe Cemetery. Pallbearers were Cleve?s nephews: Ron Sletto, Doug Sletto, Myron Sletto, Dale Sletto, Merritt Wadleigh and Paul Wadleigh. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.