Longtime Manistique resident George J. Slining Jr. passed away on December 12, 2021.
He was born on November 18, 1950 to parents George J. Slining Sr. and Elizabeth R. Slining (Barnes). He attended St. Francis de Sales School, graduated from Manistique High School in 1969 and attended Ferris State University earning a B.S. in Business in 1973.
After college George (Slim) joined the family business, Manistique Rentals Inc. (MRI). Through the years he was involved in many aspects of the business including redi-mix, excavating, gravel crushing, landscape stone, refuse/recycling service and heavy equipment rental. When he retired in 2015, he was President of MRI.
Slim will be remembered for his parties at his Camp #8 on the West Branch of the Manistique River. Always good food, reminiscing lumberjack stories when “Pine was King”, jokes and hardy laughs, smoking cigars and Slim playing his harmonica.
Another joy in George’s life was being at Seagull Cove with family and friends. He enjoyed giving them boat rides and fishing trips in the Sandi Jo out on Lake Michigan.
George is survived by his family, Susan Slining of Vulcan, MI, David Slining, Trish Forstner-Cayia (Bob Cayia), Sandi Spettle, Kelly Spettle (Ann Marie), Christopher and Mandy Spettle and their four children.
The family suggests that any memorials be made in George’s name to his beloved St. Francis de Sales Church, 330 Oak St., Manistique, MI 49854.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, December 21 at 1:00 PM at the St. Francis de Sales Church with Rev. Fr. Ben Paris officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 1:00 at the church. George will be buried in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone, Michigan.
The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the family with arrangements.
Dennis & Ginger Boyd - Manistique, Mi
Sorry to hear my friend Slim has passed away. Ginger and I sent our prayers and thoughts to his family. Had many good memories we shared along with David on the west branch for over 25 years. We know he will be missed. Rest In Peace pal.
Kay L. Hinkson - Manistique, Mi
Susie, Dave & Trish, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I have a lot of fond memories of Slim while growing up. He always had a smile and didn’t tease me to much . Your Mom & Dad have welcomed him with open arms I’m sure. Sorry for your loss .
Cousin Cheryl - New Berlin, wi
Slim Jim Slining, a true treasure in my book. Although my memory isn’t real clear on events, but I’m going to relate it as best I can.
Was it around Christmas time, we stopped over to the Slining house. Aunt Betty always so welcoming, happy to see you…come in..come in. I proceeded to the second floor. Susan and Patricia smiles on their faces. Dancing and singing, just being so delightful to be around.
Next Slim Jim walks in. A good looking, happy go lucky young man. Your mother needed something, Jimmy had to run an errand for her. Jim asked me to tag along. We went for a drive and Jim’s personality, so inquisitive, so flamboyant, so charming conversation so delightful, made you feel so valued.
Then again, just a few years back, my mother and I were driving down Bluemound road (Brookfield WI) and she spotted Slim Jim’s RED truck. Can’t miss Jim’s red truck all decked out like a shinning, chrome embellished fire truck. Just like the kind Captain “Mr Wonderful”, good to see you…all are welcome…come in for a chat would drive. Mom and I stopped and again that was exactly how perfectly wonderful your brother responded to us. Just a cold call on Jim and there he was Mr. Charming.
Just stopped to say hello, we spotted you in town. Didn’t want to miss an opportunity to say good to see you. You Jim always a true treasure in our lives.
So when you look to the Heavens and see all those twinkling stars, rest a sure who’s winking back at you, yes it is all of them who went before us. Letting us know it is all true, every word written.
Jan leDuc - Manistique, Mi
I always remember how he loved soup. I made him a few kettles myself. Every time I saw him he always said “God Bless you”. I will keep his family in my prayers.
Judy caldwell - Cincinnati , Oh
Remembering Jimmy today and our thoughts go out to Susan David and Trish. As the oldest of the Slining cousins I have fond memories of our childhood picnics and fun at grandmas . He was such a sweet little boy and loved to play tricks on his older cousins.
BRYON Johnson - Manistique, MI
My condolences goes out to the Slining family. Slim will be greatly missed by many. I regret that I cannot attend todays service due to prior commitments, However my thoughts will be with you.