George Slater

George Slater, age 91, of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, formerly of Storm Lake, Iowa died Monday, November 13, 2017 in Pleasant Hill. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 17, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. Burial will follow in the Storm Lake Cemetery. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. George Lewis Slater was born December 23, 1925 in Churdan, Iowa the son of George and Mildred (Smyth) Slater. Growing up, he attended school in Storm Lake and was given the nickname “Duke” because of his prowess as a running back for the Storm Lake Tornadoes. After graduation from Storm Lake High School in 1943, George joined the United States Navy. He was Master of Arms of First Company, First Platoon, and attended Navy V-12 School at St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa. After proudly serving his country, George graduated with a degree in business from Buena Vista College, Storm Lake. On July 11, 1948, George was united in marriage to Cleora “Midge” Meseck at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. Together, they were blessed with five children: Steven, Stuart, Pamela, Debra, and Sheryl. George opened Slater’s Toy Castle that was located at the northern edge of Storm Lake. Several years later, he used the same location to sell books and stationary that eventually led to Slater’s Distributing Company which provided Christian materials and literature to churches located in a four-state area. George loved to fly and owned his own Piper Cub, which he used for business and pleasure. He enjoyed golfing; he and Midge treasured their yearly winter trips to Brownsville, Texas. Another passion was playing cards. George was an avid bridge player. Family and friends were very important to George, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Steve Slater of Denison, Iowa; Stu (Audrey) Slater of Port St. Lucie, Florida; Deb (Allen) Jensen of Huxley, Iowa; and Sheryl (Ken) Rogalski of Hoffman Estates, Illinois. His grandchildren include: Sara (Jordan) Lickteig; Nick (Jaime) Mesenbrink; Kristi Slater; Kevan Slater; Angie Jesse; Neil (Kristina) Jesse; Rachel (Mike) Sparks; Jessica (Ross) Farquhar; Amy (Christopher) Page; Caleb Jensen; Joseph Rogalski; Diana (Joseph) Guyer; and Mark (Anna) Rogalski. Also, included are: 12 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Arlene (Gilbert) Grienke of Aurelia, Iowa; nieces; nephews; cousins; extended family: and friends. George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mildred Slater; wife, Cleora “Midge” Slater; daughter, Pamela Meske; and daughter-in-law, Sandi Slater.

George Slater

December 23, 1925 - November 13, 2017