Josephine Sletto

Josephine O. Sletto, age 96, died on April 9, 2013, at the Knute Nelson Memorial Home in Alexandria, Minnesota. Jo was born in McKenzie County, North Dakota, on December 14, 1916, the daughter of Kittil and Anna Skavanger. Jo spent her early years on the family farm near Keene, North Dakota. She was baptized and confirmed at Clear Creek Lutheran Church. She went to Olson School through the eighth grade and graduated from Watford City high school. Jo attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, and later worked for the State of North Dakota at the capitol building in Bismark. Jo?s family moved to Douglas County in the late 1930s, when the severe draught made farming nearly impossible in western North Dakota. Jo worked for the Selective Service in Alexandria, and she also helped out at other draft board offices in Minnesota during World War II. Jo was interviewed by the Minnesota Historical Society, and the story of her experiences during the war years was included in a traveling display of the society?s Greatest Generation Project in 2010. After the war, Jo went to work at the Douglas County Treasurer?s Office. Jo married Cleve Sletto on August 20, 1948, at the West Moe parsonage. They farmed near Brandon for seven years before purchasing the Maryland Resort on Lake Mary. Cleve and Jo owned and operated the Maryland Resort for over twenty years, retiring in 1979. After retirement, they built a home just down the road from the resort, and that?s where they lived until moving to Nelson Gables in Alexandria in 2008. Jo was a member of the West Moe Lutheran Church of rural Brandon for over sixty years. She was active in church, Sunday School and ELCW activities. Jo was also a 4-H leader, and she was actively involved in many other organizations. Cleve and Jo were married for sixty-three years, and the two were inseparable. After they retired, they traveled throughout the country in their motorhome. Jo loved her flower garden, her home, and her family. She greatly enjoyed entertaining friends and family, and she loved being with people. Jo was preceded in death by her parents and husband Cleve (in 2011) as well as many brothers- and sisters-in law. Jo is survived by her son Terry (Kathy) Sletto of Alexandria; grandchildren Christopher Sletto of Avon, Colorado, Jon Miller of Avon, Colorado, and Beth (Jeremy) Hill of Savage, MN; great-grandchildren Kaiden, Ryder, and Berkley Hill of Savage, MN; sister Gudrun Roeland of Atlanta, Georgia; and many nephews, nieces and cousins. A memorial service was held at West Moe Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 13th, with Sarah Evenson officiating. Music was provided by organist, Barb Gulbranson. Internment following in the church cemetery. Pallbearers are John Roeland, Robert Roeland, Ron Sletto, Stanley Sletto, Merritt Wadleigh, and Jerry Johnson. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.