David Slattery

A Celebration of Life ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria, with a visitation taking place one hour prior to the service at the church.


David Slattery, son of the late Lawrence and Beatrice Slattery, was born on January 16th, 1933 in Rudolph, Wisconsin. He attended boarding school as a young man, joined the Divine Word Missionaries and studied for the priesthood. He was ordained in 1961 and remained a member of the clergy until 1968. After departing the order, he earned a graduate degree in psychology and educational psychology.

David was united in holy matrimony with Caroline Beckman Slattery in November 1972. This union was blessed with three children.

David passed away on November 15, 2016 at St. Cloud Hospital from complications resulting from chronic leukemia, with his family at his bedside.

David worked the majority of his career in Alexandria, Minnesota with the Alexandria School District, Hazelton and Douglas County Chemical Dependency programs, and Lakeland Mental Health. Throughout his entire career, he advocated for children, for those who battled substance abuse and mental health issues. He retired in 2002 and continued to work part time with Lakeland Mental Health until shortly before his death.

David derived a sense personal satisfaction as a mental health worker. His favorite pastimes included spending time with his family, growing roses and orchids, gardening, reading, working with stained glass and traveling. David was also active as a volunteer with Boy Scouts of America.

David is survived by his wife Carol of Alexandria, MN, son Daniel Slattery of Baton Rouge, LA, son James Slattery and grandsons Cullen and Henry of Eagan, MN, brother Larry Slattery of Rudolph, WI, brother Robert Slattery (Loretta) of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, sister, Bonnie Ebacher of Grafton, WI, and sister Eileen Rosandick of Hudson, WI and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by one son, Hugh Patrick Slattery and his dear daughter-in-law, Amy Slattery whom passed on March 26, 2017.