Slotten

Douglas Lee Slotten (Age 76)

Douglas Lee Slotten was born on December 22, 1946 in Roelyn, Iowa to Leo Russell Slotten and Evelyn Woods Slotten. He died on September 29, 2023 surrounded by his family. 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, DC 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).

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Published by The Washington Post on Oct. 18, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Slotten

7 Entries

Steve Spaeth

January 19, 2024

I learned that Doug had passed away only recently. I was very sorry to hear about that, and I would like to send my condolences to Elin, Chelsi, and Kirsten.

I had the opportunity to work with Doug on several proceedings during the time I was with the Commission. He was a brilliant lawyer and a very nice person, and I always enjoyed working with him. When the Commission was in the building on 12th Street, Doug and I were on similar schedules and we often walked together to the Smithsonian Metro Stop after work. We always had interesting conversations during those walks. A few times, we played cribbage during lunch using Braille cards, and Doug was an excellent cribbage player.

I feel very fortunate that I had a chance to know Doug, and I will miss him.

Paul Noone

January 18, 2024

I am so sorry to hear of Doug´s passing. I got to know him over the past twenty-some years during walks between the FCC headquarters building and Smithsonian metro station. I enjoyed hearing about his wife and daughters, his life growing up in rural Iowa, his time in the Army and Vietnam, trips to the storytelling festivals, and whatever work matter he was currently occupied with. He has been and will always be an inspiration to me.

David Sieradzki

January 18, 2024

I fondly remember working closely with Doug when I started at the FCC in the early 1990s. Doug was fun to work with and a great mentor. I learned so much from him and really appreciated his good judgment, his practical savvy, his commitment to public service, and especially his sense of humor. I also enjoyed the stories he told and the affectionate way he talked about his daughters Kirsten and Chelsi and his wife Elin. I wish his family my deepest condolences; may he rest in peace.

Mo Fawaz

October 21, 2023

May his soul rest in peace. Doug was such a great friend. I had the honor to meet him when I lived in the Washington, DC, area back in 2017 or 2018. He was a great guy with such a wonderful sense of humor. He was the strongest, most determined person I´ve ever met. Although an amputee and blind, he was a GS 15 at the federal communications commission. He was so determined and quite an inspiration. May his soul rest in peace. My heartfelt sympathies for your loss, Kyrsten and Chelsea.

Jim Schlichting

October 19, 2023

Hi - Doug took me out to lunch on my very first day at the Federal Communications Commission back in late August 1985. We enjoyed innumerable conversations over the years, given our common Midwest upbringing (indeed, my father was Iowa born-and-bred!) and love of baseball. I have missed him!

Jill ashley

October 19, 2023

We met Doug before wedding & I attended it. Wonderful man, funny, very intelligent

Vinny Emerson

October 19, 2023

Sorry to hear about Doug and sorry we have not seen him for a awhile
condolences to Elon Kristin and Chelsea from Emerson family

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