Sheldon Slagel

Sheldon L. Slagel went home to celebrate eternity with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on March 31, 2017.  He was born Feb. 8, 1931 in Burke, South Dakota to Wilbur (Boom) and Verena LaFave Slagel.  He was the oldest of eight children.

At age 11, the family moved to Eden, Idaho and eventually moved to Gooding, Idaho where he met the love of his life, Mary Umphenour.  They were married on July 2, 1949 and would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary this year.  Sheldon and Mary moved to Springfield, Missouri where he attended Bible College.  He became an ordained minister in 1958 and together they entered the ministry full time for the next 50 years.

Knowing that our father, husband, brother, uncle and friend is at last home in Heaven gives us great comfort, peace and joy. At the same time, we also find ourselves grieving and missing him profoundly.  He leaves behind his beloved wife, Mary; son Doug (Cherry Ann) Slagel of Honolulu, Hawaii and daughter Deb (Tim) Martens of Eagle, Idaho; grandchildren Cristy (Donnie) Sorrow, Marcus (Joanne) Slagel, Courtney Slagel, Bella Slagel, Adam (Julie) Martens, Nikki (Ryan) Peterson, Garrett (MaryJay) Martens, Brook (Cara) Martens, Aftin Martens, and Ashley (Michael) Choate; and great grandchildren Parker, Seth, Cooper, Spencer, Cayden, Brynlee, Lauren, Hattie, Austyn, Jaxon, Lincoln, Gabe, Channing, Calista, Lennie, Trey, Cameron and Jasmine.  Sheldon is also survived by his sister Janet (Paul) Fisher, his brother Steve (Yu Sook) Slagel, and many more family members that he loved dearly and held in his heart a special place for each of them.

Our father always wanted to be a preacher from the time he was 3 years old. At a young age while living with his parents in South Dakota, he would get up on a Sunday morning, dress himself, and walk to a nearby Reformed church. Several years later after attending Bible College, he was ordained as a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God and became a pastor of his first church in Long Pine, Nebraska.  His ministry then took him to pastor churches in Rupert, Idaho; Buhl, Idaho; Jerome, Idaho; Kamiah, Idaho and Elk Grove, California.  He, along with Del Storey, co-founded and pastored the inter-denominational church of Christian Center in Twin Falls, Idaho. He also travelled extensively throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada, New Zealand and Australia ministering at Christian retreats, conferences and missions.

His other passions in life included playing and watching golf, flying his airplane, attending the Junior High and High school sports events of his children and grandchildren, and cheering for the Boise State University’s football team.  His greatest enjoyment was witnessing the successes of his family and church members and was always there to encourage us if we fell short. With him there was no such thing as a stranger. In his eyes, everyone around him provided an opportunity to engage in conversation, tell jokes, laugh and smile. His sense of humor, devotion to family, and endless love for Jesus were deeply ingrained and evident to the very end.

Dad strongly believed in the scripture Matthew 25:35, 36. "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." Instead of flowers or a donation in his name, Dad would have been honored and humbled if you would remember him by sharing Christ's love and helping those who Jesus spoke of in Matthew 25.

Memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Monday, April 10, 2017 at Twin Falls Reformed Church, 1631 Grandview Dr. N., Twin Falls, ID.  Wayne Hoag and Brian Vriesman will officiate.  All are welcome to visit with the family following the service.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Sheldon's memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.