Obituary of Jeffrey Robert Slaaen

Jeffrey Robert Slaaen of Sprague, WA passed away suddenly on Tuesday, September 26th, 2023. His loss was unexpected and will be missed greatly by his family, friends, and community who he has made a great impact on during his life. Jeffrey was born on May 2nd, 1967. He was one of two children born to Gerald A. Slaaen and JoLane M. Slaaen (Danielson). He attended Sprague High School all 4 years where he played all sports and excelled in shop class making most of his home furniture. Jeff was elected Mr. touchdown his senior year graduating in 1985. After high school, Jeff attended Spokane Community College where in 1988 he received his associate in applied science- Diesel/Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic. Jeff was passionate about farming since he was a child and knew he was going to be a farmer; he had the privilege of learning how to farm from his honorary father Ken Danielson. Jeff worked through high school changing irrigation water pipes, driving wheat truck as well as tractor. In 1996 they formed a corporation called Pride Acres Inc. where they farmed wheat and barley together. Jeff has farmed with many farmers around Sprague, WA for the majority of his farming career and recently farmed the lands with farmers in Waterville, WA where Jeff was residing. In Jeff’s spare time he enjoyed anything outdoors, he enjoyed camping (especially in the cooler months), boating where he would ski and innertube, he also enjoyed fishing and hunting. Jeff loved all sports and no matter what season he always had a favorite team that would be on the big screen. Cooking was a passion for Jeff, he would take any recipe and amplify it to Jeff’s standards, he would invite any and all friends to come dine at “Slaaen’s Restraunt”, Jeff’s kitchen. Jeff is preceded in death by his parents, JoLane Danielson and Gerald Slaaen. He is survived by his honorary father Kenneth Danielson, sister JeriLane (Theron) Wing, son Zachary (Heather) Slaaen, and his two granddaughters Tatum and Peyton Slaaen.