Ethel Lorraine Slagter

Ethel L. Slagter, 97, of Blomkest, died Friday, July 3rd at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. Her memorial service will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, July 11th at Roseland Reformed Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to her service. Burial will be at the church cemetery. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar, www.hafh.org

Ethel's service was live-streamed on the church's YouTube page ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okf5xh6BEy0 )

Ethel Lorraine Slagter was born on January 4, 1929, in Roseland to Jacob and Gertrude (Douma) Hoekstra. She grew up in the Roseland area and attended country school before continuing her education in Danube and Willmar High School.

On October 4, 1945, Ethel was united in marriage to Gerald Slagter. They made their home in Roseland, where they began raising their family before moving to their farm in 1960. Ethel devoted herself to caring for their children while also helping out on the farm by bringing many lunches to the guys.

Ethel was a faithful member of Roseland Reformed Church. She served for many years as the church organist, choir director, and was active in the women's ministry. She accompanied countless worship services and funerals, as well as a local men's quartet. Along with two close friends, she sang in a trio for more than 60 years. Ethel worked at Crown Floral for many years both in bookkeeping and arranging countless floral arrangements, finally retiring at age 80.

In her free time, Ethel loved reading and knitting. She lovingly made an Afghan for each of her grandchildren as a wedding gift, a treasured keepsake of her care and generosity. She also enjoyed traveling with her sister, Beverly, to visit her daughter and family in Arizona.

Ethel especially cherished time with her family. She was a devoted grandmother who became well known for the thoughtful and creative stocking stuffers she gave each Christmas. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend

Ethel is survived by her children: Dean (Patricia) Slagter of Danube, Jerry (Dawn) Slagter of Roseland, Terry (Darla) Slagter of Blomkest, Dale (Sue) Slagter of Svea, and Jill (Bill) Albin of Chandler, AZ; 15 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Beverly Ledeboer.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; parents; sons: Joe Slagter and Thomas Slagter; and grandson, Nicholas Slagter; and brother-in-law, Henry Ledeboer.

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