JOHN (EDWIN) SLETMOEN

The family of John “Edwin” Sletmoen is saddened to announce his peaceful passing on Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 at Rainycrest Home for the Aged, with Sybil, his wife of 67 years, by his side.
Edwin was born on May 19, 1930 in Rainy River, Ont. to Ole and Margaret (Johnson) Sletmoen, the eldest of three sons.
He spent his childhood on the family farm at McInnis Creek.
As a teenager, he went to work with his uncle, Egil, learning the carpenter’s trade, which became his life’s work.
Over the years he was employed by Paul Lawrence, Harry Christianson, Stan Dolyny and Silver and Kircher Co.
He was a skilled and meticulous finishing carpenter, known for the quality of his work.
He met his wife, Sybil Johnson, while they were both working at Helliar’s Resort in Nestor Falls and they were married on May 28, 1952.
They spent their entire married life in the west end of Fort Frances and raised their own family of three sons there.
In his younger years, he particularly enjoyed hunting, camping and spending family time in the outdoors.
In 1979, he and Sybil built a cabin on Tupman Lake, where they spent many happy days. Their greatest joy was entertaining family and friends at the cabin.
Dad’s Norwegian heritage was very important to him. He was fluent in the language. He and Sybil took several trips back to the “old country.”
He was an active member in the Scandinavian Club in Fort Frances and Sons of Norway in International Falls.
With Sybil’s help, he passed on that heritage to his children and grandchildren, especially an appreciation of Scandinavian food. Lutefisk and lefse continue to be Christmas traditions.
Edwin’s faith defined his entire life. He was an active member of the Church of the Lutheran Hour, serving as an Elder for many years.
Over the last few years, Dad’s health failed him.
He moved to Rainycrest where he was visited regularly by family and friends, and was very grateful for the loving care he received from the staff until he peacefully slipped away.
Edwin is survived by his loving wife, best friend and constant companion, Sybil; his brother, Robert (Linda) Sletmoen; his three sons, Darrel (Wilma), Dwayne (Cindy Cameron) and Mark (Aya); eight grandchildren, Jennifer (Mike) Jurcevic, Joe (Melissa) Sletmoen, Paula Sletmoen, Christina Campagna, Ben Sletmoen (Chelsey Ogden), Laura Sletmoen, Christain (Lora Ngem) Sletmoen, and John Sletmoen; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom where close to his heart.
He was predeceased by his parents, Ole and Margaret Sletmoen; brother, Ivar; sister-in-law, Alma; and in-laws, John and Ivy Johnson.
Dad was a quiet, honourable and steadfast man.
He lived his life with love and integrity, putting faith and family first, setting a wonderful example to his family for which we were extremely grateful.
We will miss him dearly.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Oct. 24, at 11 a.m. at Church of the Lutheran Hour, 508 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont.