Chester B. "Chet" Slater Jr.'s Obituary
Chester B. “Chet” Slater Jr., age 75, passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2023. He was born on June 20, 1948, to Chet Slater Sr. and Shirley (Steinkraus) Laurin, in Muskegon. He graduated from Orchard View High School class of 1966. He was a dedicated employee of Michigan Spring for 35 years before retiring. He married the former Gloria Wagner-Russell on June 5, 2005, after two years of dating. Together they cherished 18 years full of love and laughter. Chet was a faithful member of Bethany Church, where he volunteered on the Monday maintenance crew. He was also an avid golfer and a longtime Harley rider, which he enjoyed with his high school buddies. Chet will truly be missed by the many who knew and loved him. He is survived by his loving wife, Gloria Slater; five children, Tony Slater, Scott Slater, Tom Slater, Jeniffer (Scott) Matthews and Nick Slater; 2 step-children, Justin (Heidi) Russell and Amanda Russell; 12 grandchildren, Ashely Slater, Jake Slater, Sydney (Brandon Lindsley) Slater, Isaac (Nicholas McCoy) Slater, Jackson Slater, Mariah (Kolt) Slater, McKenna (Brendon) Freeman, Nick Phillips, Lexie Slater, Scott Slater, Tommy Buffum and Ethan Russell; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Cindy Erickson; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-daughters, Lisa Church and Jessica Barber; and brother-in-law, Bill Erickson. Per Chet’s wishes, no services will be held. Given their love of rescuing their dogs, memorial contributions in Chet’s honor can be directed to Pound Buddies. Arrangements entrusted to The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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