John A Slagter

John Arnold Slagter, Forever in our hearts. On November 27, 2024, John joined the stars in heaven. After a courageous battle, he left this earth peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born on October 21, 1947, to John and Thelma Slagter in Highland Park, Michigan.

John will always be remembered for his laughter, his love of life, and his Dutch stubbornness. He was a proud Grandpa and a loyal man who loved his family and friends with all his heart. We will miss this very kind soul.

John proudly served in the U.S. Navy as an RD3 E4 Radar man on the USS North Hampton (CC-1) and the USS Leahy (DLG16). After an Honorable discharge from the Navy, John began his career at Florida Power & Light/NextEra Energy. He wore many hats during his career. He was a Lineman, a Dispatcher, and a Restoration Specialist. John was part of the Safety Committee as an advisor, an instructor for apprentice training, and a union job steward. He was a proud member of the IBEW.

John married his sweetheart, Myra Jean and had two sons, John and Michael.

John loved to travel. His favorite destination was always Las Vegas. John enjoyed volunteering and giving to his community. He volunteered for Habitat for Humanity; Volunteered his time as an umpire for Little League for 14 years. He enjoyed playing Santa and the Easter Bunny and distributing socks and candy to the staff and patients at Florida Cancer Institute. His last Honor was being selected to be recognized on the XXI SW Florida Honor Flight to Washington DC on November 13, 2024. This amazing organization touched his heart by honoring his service in the Navy. He was a proud American and wished for all Veterans to have this opportunity.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Myra.

John is survived by his Life Partner, Debbie Rude; his sons, John (Frannie) Slagter and Michael (Katie) Slagter; and five grandchildren, Evan Slagter, Bella Slagter, Owen Slagter, Abby Slagter and Lily Slagter. John leaves six sisters and brothers: Carlene (Donald) Cremin, Thomas (Barbara) Slagter, Robert (Christine) Slagter, Richard (Cheryl) Slagter, Susan Slagter and Carol Slagter. He leaves many awesome nieces and nephews.

Though John is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in every act of kindness we do in his name.

We will be celebrating our love for John with a Military Funeral Honor Service on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 10 am at Sarasota National Cemetery, located at 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241. Everyone is welcome to attend.

On Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 1-3pm, there will be a Celebration of Life for John. It will be held at Beef O’Brady’s, located at 1105 Taylor Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Everyone is welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, John requested that donations be made to Southwest Florida Honor Flight in his memory.