John Slyter

John Matthew Slyter was born October 17, 1949, in Hutchinson, McLeod County, Minnesota. He was the son of Richard and Elenora (Otting) Slyter. John was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. John attended school in Hutchinson and was a graduate of the Hutchinson High School Class of 1967. He received a Future Craftsman award during his high school years.

On November 1, 1969, John was united in marriage to Linda Albrecht at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Hutchinson, by Pastor Kuether. John's service with the United States Army began in June of 1969 and was honorably discharged in May of 1971. He served in Vietnam from November 11, 1969 through October 26, 1970, and completed the remainder of his decorated military service stateside at Fort Hood in Texas where his wife joined him. John and Linda made their home in Hutchinson, and lived there until they moved to their lake home near Hackensack, Cass County, Minnesota on Pleasant Lake.

John started working, part-time, while in high school. Upon returning to Minnesota after completing his military service, he began his career at 3M in Hutchinson where he was employed until he moved into the construction trade. He worked for several Hutchinson area contractors until 1979 when he became self-employed. John spent the remainder of his career as a contractor until 1989 when he specialized in the manufacturing of custom cabinet doors with his wife. He had a wide range of mechanical abilities and could fix most anything.

John was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Hutchinson and a member of the Hackensack American Legion, Post 202. He was also the caretaker of Arthur's Point Road. John enjoyed helping others, fishing, boating, camping, grilling, playing cards, the game Farkel�, visiting with his family, friends, and his Recon Brothers. John especially enjoyed having fish fry's, taking others fishing and spending time with his wife, daughter and grandson.

John passed away Monday, May 14, 2012, at his home in Birch Lake Township at the age of 62 years with his wife and daughter by his side. He will be buried with full military honors at Hillcrest Cemetery in Hackensack on May 19, 2012. Blessed be his memory.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Elenora Slyter and his sister Virginia (Slyter) Amundson.

Services will be 1 PM on Saturday, May 19, at Union Congregational Church, Hackensack. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.