Eric Slagel

A celebration of life for Eric J. Slagel, 65 of Wayland will be held Friday, January 4, 2013 at 11:00AM at the Sugar Creek Mennonite Church in rural Wayland. Burial will be held prior to the service at 10:00 AM at the Sugar Creek Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 3 from 4-6 PM at the Sugar Creek Mennonite Church. The body has been cremated. A memorial fund has been established for the Parkview Home, Sugar Creek Mennonite Church and the Wayland 1st Responders. Eric Slagel died Saturday, December 29, 2012 at his home in Wayland. Funeral arrangements are with the Beatty Funeral Home.

Eric James Slagel was born December 4, 1947 in Alma, Michigan the son of Warren and Vernelda (Widmer) Slagel. He graduated from WACO High School and Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant with a degree in foreign language. Eric served in voluntary service as a hospital aide in Evanston, Illinois for two years. He then began working at Bluebird Manufacturing and worked there for 30 years. He was a member of the Sugar Creek Mennonite Church where he served as church historian. Eric volunteered at Parkview Home where he helped with wheel chair rides, bingo and spent time with residents. He enjoyed attending Bible studies, reading, watching the Cubs, bird watching and spending time with his family.

Survivors include one sister, Wendy (Ron) Scarff of Wayland, one brother, Kelly (Veronica) Slagel of Wayland, two nephews, Chad Scarff, Matt (Jen) Slagel, two nieces, Sara (Mike) Sanchez, Andrea (Drew) Larson, three great nieces, Mekenzie Bean-Scarff, Quinn Scarff, Sydney Scarff, and two great nephews, Warren Scarff and Gavin Slagel.

Preceding Eric in death were his parents, one infant brother, Kevin and a nephew, Ryan Scarff.