DOUGLAS LEE SLOTTEN

After growing up on a farm in rural Iowa, Doug graduated from the University of Iowa and was a CPA in Chicago before he was drafted into the Vietnam War. He quickly ascended through the ranks, but was badly injured, earning a Purple Heart. Following the war, Doug attended Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor Law School as a blind amputee and graduated cum laude. Doug moved to Washington, D.C. and began a distinguished career at the Federal Communications Commission, where he was recognized for his expertise and service numerous times over 47 years.

An inspiration to many people, Doug was a beloved son, brother, father, husband and friend, as well as a dedicated employee and Purple Heart-awarded veteran. An especially devoted father to twin daughters Kirsten Slotten and Dr. Chelsi Slotten, he shared many hours of thoughtful conversations with them both, discussing math homework, sports, financial or career advice, and more.

Doug was known for his quiet, wicked, and wry sense of humor. He was a lifelong fan of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes and St. Louis Cardinals, a sharp poker, chess and cribbage player, and a delighted grandfather-to-be. He also loved an excellent bottle of cabernet and jazz, especially when catching up with his long-distance friends and family.

He is survived by his wife Elin Wackernagel-Slotten, daughters Kirsten Slotten (Alex Pavlovic) and Chelsi Slotten (Guy Taylor), and siblings Deanna Reifsteck, Nancy Randolph and Lyle Slotten.

There will be two memorial services in honor of Doug’s life, one in early 2024 at Christ Episcopal Church Kensington and one later in the year at Fulton Lutheran Church in Roelyn, Iowa. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with a memorial stone in Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Doug’s childhood church Fulton Lutheran Church (c/o Nathan Bilstad, 3471 250th Street, Somers, IA, 50586) or the American Association of Visually Impaired Attorneys (c/o David Adams, 587 Creamery Rd, Telford, PA 18969).