Kenneth “Ken” Sletvold, 81, died peacefully at home Jan. 20, 2023, surrounded by his devoted family. He and his wife Frances (Schleifer) recently celebrated 60 years of loving marriage. Born in Trenton, N.J., he was the son of the late Elnar and M. Elizabeth (Bolt) Sletvold.

He graduated from Emmaus High School in 1959 and thereafter served his country in the United States Army. Upon his honorable discharge, he obtained an associate degree from Penn State, a Bachelor of Science degree from Kutztown University and a master’s degree in education from Lehigh University. For 30 years, he was a physics teacher at Emmaus High School. His students fondly recall his field trips to Great Adventure theme park in New Jersey where he taught them about speed and gravity while riding roller coasters, as well as “The Sletvold Challenge” where teams of students were challenged to employ principles of physics in a race to the local mini-mart to see which team could return fastest with his beloved diet soda.

Upon retirement he continued a life of service. He and his wife purchased a motor home in which they traveled all over the country and Canada building houses for Habitat for Humanity Care-A-Vanners. They were part of the SOWER Ministry (Servants on Wheels Ever Ready), providing volunteer help to nonprofit Christian ministries. They traveled to Japan on two separate trips to build churches. Eventually, he and his wife became “snowbirds,” spending six months of the year in Arcadia, Fla. They also raised and trained puppies that later went into service as seeing eye guide dogs for the blind.

He was a devoted father. When his first son was born, he and his wife traveled in a snowstorm from Allentown to Philadelphia to the only hospital at the time that was permitting fathers to be present in the delivery room. He later wrote an editorial to several newspapers advocating for change in hospital policies so fathers could be present for the birth of their children.

When at home, he enjoyed puttering in his shed/workshop, carving, quilting and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a talented craftsman and builder.

He is survived by his wife; children, Robert (Jennifer), of Bethlehem, Kathryn Bluder, of Bethlehem, Matthew, of Yuma, Ariz. and Jennifer Wellington (Marshall), of Plymouth, N.C.; brother, Gene (Elaine), of East Edison, N.J.; sister, Barbara Snyder (Gerald), of Emmaus; grandchildren, Christopher, Nathaniel, Lindsey James, Mackenzie Brezak, Samantha Brezak and Jamod; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by a sister, Doris Pillsbury.

Contributions in his name may be made to The Seeing Eye, P.O. Box 375, Morristown, N.J., 07963-0375.

Ken’s legacy of service continues in death as he long ago decided to donate his body to science to further the education of medical students. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements were made by the Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus.