Verne R. Slagstad

  Verne R. Slagstad, age 92, of Allendale, MI, passed away on December 1, 2015 peacefully at his home. Verne was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his infant daughter, Sharon Lea Slagstad; brothers, Russell Lind, Wayne Slagstad, and Vincent Slagstad; sisters, Verla Rae Beauchamp and Kay Johnson. Surviving are his children, Sandy, Bill, Sanford, Harriet, Jule and their spouses; his brother, Eugene Slagstad; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Verne and Betty formed "The Gospel Heirs" in 1976. They sang and played together at churches, nursing homes, and hospitals from Escanaba to Florida.   They also promoted Gospel Quartets to the Escanaba area in the summers for 15 years. During the last 15 years or so, Verne enjoyed recording several CDs and DVDs. Verne also enjoyed working on cars, growing and tending to a cactus garden in Florida, woodworking, and stone work. Interment was held at Fairplains Cemetery in Grand Rapids, MI, on December 3, 2015.  Pastor Ron Diehl presided. A memorial service will be held in the future for family and friends to gather and remember Verne.