Harold Lewis Sletten

1924 - 2013

Harold Lewis Sletten obituary, 1924-2013, Northridge, CA

BORN

1924

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Bastian and Perrott, Oswald Mortuary

18728 Parthenia Street

Northridge, California

Harold Sletten Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 1, 2013.

Harold Lewis "Hal" Sletten
8/14/24 – 7/28/13

Our beloved father passed away unexpectedly following complications from surgery. Only days before he was taking 10-mile bicycle rides, climbing ladders to trim his hedges, and changing the brakes on his '78 Cadillac.

Dad was born the 5th of nine children on a farm near Churchs Ferry, North Dakota. He survived the Great Depression and excelled at North Dakota Agricultural College at Fargo (now NDSU), but he interrupted his studies when he enlisted in the United States Army in 1943 to serve his country in World War II . He was sent to Kalamazoo College to study engineering, but the program was disbanded to expand the war effort.

Dad went to California for amphibious training, and was assigned to the rifle company of the 96th Infantry Division. Amidst the stress of nearly drowning when ordered to jump off a pier into the ocean (he did not know how to swim and for the rest of his life hated the water), he did notice that the weather was really nice there. He could not know at the time, but one day he would return.

He was in the 1st wave of troops landing in Leyte, Philippines on October 20, 1944 and was wounded in action on October 27, 1944. He recovered from his wounds, and was sent back to the front lines for another critical 1st wave landing, this time on Okinawa Japan on Easter Sunday in 1945. He was again wounded during battle, but this time he was sent back to the USA for medical treatment.

For meritorious achievement in ground combat he received the bronze star medal, two purple hearts, and a Presidential unit citation. He was honorably discharged on August 9, 1945 which was just five days before his 21st birthday and VJ Day (August 14, 1945).

Dad immediately went back to school and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in mechanical engineering from NDSU in 1948. He graduated summa cum laude and was appointed to honorary scholastic societies Phi Kappa Phi and Tau Beta Pi, and joined the engineering fraternity Sigma Phi Delta.

After a short stint with General Electric Co., he was accepted for study at the prestigious California Technical Institute, Pasadena, CA, and earned a Master of Science Degree in mechanical engineering. For the next 34 years, he developed innovative cooling systems for nuclear power reactors, and was expert on issues related to the fast breeder reactor, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. Dad's engineering excellence led to his personal assignment of numerous U.S. patents and publications. He retired in 1984, but he never stopped looking at the world through his "engineer's eyes."
In 1954 he married Barbara Kay Engel and they settled in sunny Northridge, California. Dad is survived by his four children Sandra Knierim (John) Puyallup, WA; Steven (Ellen) Los Angeles, CA; Karen Allen (Scott) Tallahassee, FL; and Eric (Julie) Ventura, CA. Surviving grandchildren: Rebekka, Sara, Elizabeth, John, Karl, Daniel, Kristen, Connor, Jeff, Greg, Bryan, Jason, Eric, Noah, Olivia, Sophia; and great-grandchildren: Pearl and Caleb. Two brothers also survive him.

Over the years Dad has enjoyed the company of his "brothers in arms" at annual reunions of the 96th Infantry Division "Deadeyes." In fact, he was planning to attend the reunion this year in San Diego, CA on the day of his death. He has been a regular at his local senior citizens center where he loved to dance to Big Band swing music, and play pool and a few hands of bridge. He was an avid bicyclist, tinkerer of all things mechanical, and a proud member of the Sons of Norway Norrona Lodge.

Our Dad left this world to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in who he had ultimate faith and gratitude for all of his many blessings. He departed us at the top of his form; strong, private and fiercely independent. Dad was an honorable man with brilliant mind and a tender heart.

Whenever there is a mechanical problem to be solved, we will always ask, "What would Dad do?" We, and many others, will miss him dearly.

The Memorial Service will be held at Oakwood Memorial Park in Chatsworth, CA on August 10, 2013 at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Los Angeles Metro Salvation Army;

http://www1.usw.salvationarmy.org

Services under the direction of Bastian & Perrott, Oswald Mortuary, Northridge California.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Harold Sletten

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Not sure what to say?

August 14, 2013

Karen Sletten Allen

Dad, today is your birthday and I just can't remember what your favorite cake is. I wish I could take you down the street to Canapy Roads Cafe so You could get one of those pancakes "the size of your head" again for breakfast. Did I ever tell you thank you for giving me 3 of the best siblings I could ever ask for? RIP Dad. See you agin one day.

August 11, 2013

Clarice and Reuben Liechty

We will miss the visiting with uncle Harold during his trips to North Dakota when he came back to check out his farm - not only to check how the crops were faring, but maybe to feel the same spiritual connection we all need with our birthplace, our home. Thank you to Karen, Ric and Steve in assisting him on his later trips home. It was good to meet all of you. Thank you also to his family who took him to the Washington WWII memorial. That trip was a special time for him. War is brutal and changes one forever. His service to our country, his dedication to learning (he had a good mind) and his work, and his (along with Barbara) raising 4 caring and responsible children speaks well of him. We are missing the conversations we would be having with him if his life had not been cut short. Reuben was planning on taking him for another plane ride over the farm. Our sympathy.

August 10, 2013

Jackie Hanna

Sandy, Steven, Karen, Ric, - thinking about you on this difficult day.

August 10, 2013

Dennis DeYoung

I will miss Harold Sletten and that wry smile of his. A truly great man with North Dakota roots, and a deep love for his family and friends. I hope to be biking around town like Hal when I am his age. My condolences to the Sletten family.

August 8, 2013

Ric and Family,

We saw your father as a wonderful man with a quick whit who treasured his love of God, Family and The Good Old USA. We share your loss with Sympathy and Love.

John and Shirley Golgert, Westchester California

August 8, 2013

The Oakes

Loved reading about this amazing, special man and wish I could have met him. Our family is sad with yours today and grateful that you have inherited such a beautiful legacy. Praying for you all today.

August 7, 2013

Linda Chassiakos

Our deepest condolences to the Sletten family on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Sincerely, Linda Chassiakos

August 6, 2013

Janice Yelverton

Such a wonderful tribute to your Dad. He was a very smart and accomplished man! My prayers and thought are with you and your family. Janice

August 6, 2013

Martha Mitchell

Karen, I am so sorry to learn of your loss and will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. It is so hard to lose one we love, but just know that the wonderful memories will remain with you always. Thank you for sharing the obituary with us.
Will look forward to your return to Tallahassee and to the courts. You are missed. Love, Martha

August 6, 2013

Sue Robertson-Gates & Family

Thinking of you all at this hard time....I have lots of memories back living in the old neighborhood. Your dad's life story was so full of accomplishments and experiences and leaves a super family to be proud. It sounds like he new how to have fun in his retirement years too!

August 6, 2013

Frank Engel

I remember Uncle Hal as a very bright engineer who doted on his four children. I probably came in contact with him about 10 times way back in 1956-59 usually at family get-togethers in and around LA. He was striking in appearance and even then we young boys loved talking with him when the opportunity presented itself. Hal and Barb were two of our favorites. He will be missed.

August 6, 2013

Cheri Hibbard

I send you all my love and heart felt sympathys. Uncle Hal will always be remembered by all of us. By the way - good looking guy in his uniform!!! Many happy memories at your house and ours. We are a blessed family & all the cousins have so many family memories that we will treasure forever. God Bless all of you - he will always be with you (in your heart and memories). Love you all.

August 6, 2013

Sandy Layne

Karen, you were so lucky to have such an accomplished dad! So fortunate to have spent time with him recently. Your tennis buddies miss you, of course, and extend condolences for your loss.

August 6, 2013

My condolences to the Family. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Proverbs 17:17
JT

August 5, 2013

Lynne Landeta and Family

My deepest sympathies and condolences to Dr. Ric Sletten and his family. Ric always spoke so highly of his Dad and have shared a few stories of his Dad's passions for hiking, cycling, his scientific, brilliant mind, as well as being a remarkable, highly-decorated Army veteran.

No words can express the grief one feels upon losing a loved one. I pray, that your family will find peace, solace and comfort by his loving memories.

God bless you all!

August 5, 2013

Jane Santoro

I remember meeting the delightful Mr.Sletten on 2 occasions over the past years. First at a CSUN basketball game where staff and families were invited for pizza and the game. Our second meeting was at the Klotz Student Health Center when he accompanied Dr Sletten and at the time his toddler aged first born son. We has some laughs about how busy a small boy can be for a grandfather to keep up with. I am so happy to have met this special gentleman, who I understand may now be on a bicycle in Heaven.
I wish Dr. Sletten and all of the family many happy memories and our prayers at this difficult time.

August 4, 2013

Dean Daniels

I miss Hal already. NOW, who am I going to talk about "sensible things" with in the family...?

August 4, 2013

Bonnie Rolle

I am so impressed with the valor and sacrifice that Hal made to our country and to the Sletten family during the years that he and his brothers were in the service. It comes to no surprise that he succeeded in all that he undertook with his career because of the hard work and dedication that was instilled in him and was a staple of the Sletten unbringing. Bless you and all of the family, Bonnie and Milton Rolle

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Funeral services provided by:

Bastian and Perrott, Oswald Mortuary

18728 Parthenia Street, Northridge, CA 91324

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