Birth date: Aug 28, 1932 Death date: Sep 8, 2020
To attend John's Celebration of Life live stream go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8UurKmkEe0&feature=youtu.be To view John's Life Video go to: https://vimeo.com/456706234 John Sletten, age 88, of Ames, Iowa passed away peac Read Obituary
Coach Sletten had a bigger influence on my life than anyone other than my own parents. I would bet most of his former athletes would say the same. I'm sad he's no longer physically with us but happy that he'll always be with me and with the thousands of other young people he inspired, motivating us to always do our best and try our hardest.
I've had the honor of knowing John for a long time. First as a Marshalltown athlete competing against Ames, and then, more recently, having my children come through Ames and run for the Ames track program. I have always been impressed with his coaching, teaching and attitude toward the kids. He will be sorely missed. Thank you Coach Sletten.
To the Sletten family words cannot encapsulate my grief your loss. I apologize for finding out so late and missing the Celebration of Life. Coach was one of the greatest influences in my life. His direct and honest mentoring in the classroom and on the track made any of us who graced his presence a better person. One of my life’s regrets is not winning another team championship for him during my time at Ames High School, coming close twice as runner-up. Knowing coach he would pishah that notion knowing we gave our best. I will truly miss him.
I'm sorry for you loss of John. He was always so friendly to me as a new comer on the AHS staff. At my first Staff meeting in the Fall of 1987 in the old library up on the second floor, they said I was a St. Olaf grad and from the back of the room came a loud "Um! Yah! Yah!" John made me feel welcome right away. He said that every time he saw me. May he rest in Peace.
Liz and Family:
I am so sorry for the passing of John this past week. As you know I was truly blessed over the past three plus years to really get to know him more as a person compared to our Coach-Athlete relationship during my days competing for Ames High. It was his love for family, country and teaching/coaching that truly came out as a result of our conversations. While many may remember Coach for what he accomplished on the athletic field it was his character and integrity that made him truly a person worth knowing in this world. I will be forever grateful God placed Coach in my life for those four years while at Ames High and for all the other young men and women whose lives were impacted in both big and small ways as he truly made this world a better place.
Jeff Burris- '85
I am so sorry for your loss. John was a friend. We shared many conversations while teaching and renewed some of them following retirement at Hy-Vee. He will be missed.
Sincere best regards, Keith Bailey
Mr. Sletten was my favorite teacher! One memory that always makes my smile is the time he got up from his desk, walked to the back row of desks and without skipping a word of what he was saying, promptly put tape over my mouth! It was deserved! Great guy and wonderful man!
Mr. Sletten was one of my favorite teachers, and one of the best teachers I ever had. His classes at Northfield High School were challenging and fun, and in me they fostered a life-long love of writing.
Liz- We are pleaded to send our condolences to you and your family for a long time friend and will send a contribution to St. Olaf in his honor- our love to all. Ruth and Paul Hauge- Paul- STO- 1954
We are sorry to hear of John's passing. He leaves so many memories for students and families. Track and Cross Country provided opportunities for so many young people to find success in many ways thanks to his coaching and encouragement. He will be missed but remembered by many. We will keep all your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Emmett and Mary Stevermer Family
