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Walter Frank Sleeter Jr.

Walter Sleeter

GWINN, MI- Walter Frank Sleeter, Jr., age 81, of Gwinn, went home to be with his Lord Monday evening, October 2, 2023, at home, in the loving, comforting care of his family.

Born March 9, 1942, in Musselshell, Montana, a son of Walter and Margaret (Pettis) Sleeter, Sr., Walt lived in Pekin, Illinois until he entered the US Air Force in 1959. His military service included Texas, Mississippi, Indiana, Thule, Greenlund, and finally K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, where he met and married the love of his life, Joyce M. Babcock. Walter enrolled at Northern Michigan University, receiving a degree in criminal justice. He was employed for a time as a key-man for the Department of Natural Resources. For 22 years, Walt was employed with the Air Force Fire Department and served as coordinator of the Fire Science program at NMU. He was also employed as a night manager at the Bonanza Family Restaurant and was a state certified fire inspector for the Department of Corrections.

Walt’s Christian faith was all important to him and he lived his faith in word and deed. He loved serving his God and helping others.

He was called to work for the Salvation Army, serving as Ministry Assistant, Corps Sergeant Major, Director of Caring Ministries, and then as Director of Operations. Walt was currently an elder at the Little Lake Chapel.

Walt was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Ernest (the late Sharon) Sleeter; three half-brothers, Cecil, Rolland (the late Marie), and Harold (the late Ann) Starkweather; and half-sister, Leona (the late George) Walker.

Walter Sleeter

Walt is survived by his wife, Joyce Babcock Sleeter; two sons, Terry (Cathy) Sleeter and John (Crystal) Sleeter both of Marquette; his daughter, Debbie (Larry) Jenkins of Marquette; 11 grandchildren and 23 great- grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Joyce Starkweather of Texas; numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the Little Lake Chapel on Tuesday, October 10, beginning at 3:00 pm until the time of service at 5:00 pm. Pastor Ron Westman will officiate and veterans honors will be accorded. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com