Roger Alan SLATER

SLATER, WHISTLER, BATES, BELL, ADAMS, BURNELL, RAPP, GLAMMEIER, CASSON, SANDNES, SANDNESS

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 5/14/2014 at 13:08:32

December 29, 1947 --- May 12, 2014

Roger Alan Slater left this world to be with our Lord of Heaven on May 12, 2014 at the age of 66. Roger had been suffering for many many years from emphysema/COPD, and had weathered several setbacks in the past, but always managed to rally.

Roger was born in Eagle Grove, Iowa on December 29, 1947, to Gwen Bates Slater and William Slater. He had four half brothers and sisters: Bonnie Adams, Harold Whistler, Don Whistler and Shirley Whistler Bell. He was raised in Eagle Grove, and graduated from Eagle Grove High School in 1966, after which he joined the Air Force. He was stationed in Hawaii, where he was Sargent in charge of warehousing. Roger received an honorable discharge in 1972, and returned to Eagle Grove, where he worked at Eagle Mills, Fareway and eventually was employed by the United States Postal System. Roger was a postal employee for 30 years, and enjoyed every moment of his career.

Roger is survived by his wife Joan Marie, and three children and seven grandchildren. They are: daughter Amanda Slater Burnell, Michael Burnell, Krissy Rapp and Elizabeth Slater; Jonathan Slater, wife Rebekah, and children Elijah and Chloe; Rachel Slater and daughters Allison and Ashley. He tried to keep in touch with his step children and grandchildren, Tina Glammeier, and daughter Savanna, David Casson, wife Amy, daughter Marah, and Jenine Sandnes, Elliott Blue Sandness and Simon Sandness. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, William Slater and Gwen Slater; half sister Shirley Whistler Bell and half brother, Harold Whistler.

Roger lived his life in the conviction that a Godly man demonstrates his love for the Lord in all he does and how he lives. He coached local girls' softball and boys' baseball teams, and attended many Bible studies throughout the years. He loved Oldies music and traditional gospel music, and could be heard singing along with his favorite groups. Roger taught senior high Sunday School at United Methodist church for four years, and emphasized living a Christian life at home and school. He followed his favorite sports teams, the Cincinnati Reds, Dallas Cowboys and Iowa State Cyclones, and owned one of the area's largest magazine and memorabilia collections. Roger tried to give away as many magazines as he could to "good homes." He also collected Civil War memorabilia, and gathered many books and tapes about this war that he could find. Roger enjoyed following Civil War re-enactments as long as he was able, and loved to talk war lore and listen to battlefield music.

He is best known for his speedy delivery of the mail, his quiet sense of humor, and his sweet mannerisms. Those who knew Roger will miss him dearly, and will understand that he is walking a quiet path with God now, free of the disease that wracked his lungs and slowed him down. He has served as a role model and source of comfort and common sense to many young people and adults alike.

Foust Funeral Home - Eagle Grove, Iowa
http://hosting-24983.tributes.com/obituary/read/Roger-A.-Slater-101349463