Donald James Slattery

Don was born April 8, 1938 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, the son of Larry and Esther Slattery. He grew up in Waterville, Iowa and graduated from Waterville High School in 1956. He received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Marquette University in 1960. He joined the U.S. Navy shortly thereafter, completed flight training, and became a Naval Aviator. He flew the F8 Crusader as a member of the VF-32 Squadron and was assigned to the USS Saratoga aircraft carrier.

After leaving the Navy in 1965 he began his career as a commercial airline pilot in San Francisco with Pan American World Airways flying the Boeing 707 and 747 aircrafts. In 1985 he transferred to United Airlines where he ended his flying career as a Captain on the Boeing 777 in 1998. While in San Francisco he met Marilyn Piesko and in 1975 they were married in Chicago, Illinois. Their son Patrick was was born in 1976 and the family moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Don’s hobbies were hunting, fishing, boating, skiing, and golf. He was known for his dry sense of humor, optimistic attitude, and his ability to move forward even during times of challenge.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Marilyn. His son Patrick. His sisters-in-law Janice Bell, Linda Piesko, and Clare Slattery. His nephews Tom (Lisa) Slattery, James (Susan) Slattery, Brian (Tracy) Quandt, his niece Andrea (Matt) Aagesen. His great nieces and nephews Joe and Alex Slattery, Brendan and Ella Slattery, Avery and Emmy Quandt, Payton, Ella, and Charlotte Aagesen, Sophia and Lauretta Piesko.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Esther Slattery, his brothers Tom and Joe Slattery, his sister Ellen Slattery Quandt, his brothers in law Rick Piesko Sr., Charles Quandt and his nephew Rick Piesko Jr.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The American Legion at www.legion.org or Arnold and Winnie Palmer Foundation at www.palmerfoundation.org.