Benjamin James Slaven

Army Reserve Spc. Benjamin "Ben" James Slaven, 22, Beatrice, died Friday June 9, 2006 in Iraq when his vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb. He was born March 20, 1984 in Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Washington. He moved with his family to Utah then to Beatrice at the age of 2 living in the Beatrice, DeWitt and Plymouth areas.  He attended Cedar Elementary School, Beatrice Middle School, Tri County High School and obtained his GED from Southeast Community College.  He joined the United States Army where he was serving in Iraq with the 308 Transportation Company, Lincoln, NE.   He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Beatrice.  He enjoyed playing video games and restoring his 1946 Dodge pickup.  He loved to visit his Grandpa and Grandma Slaven in Texas.

Survivors:  mother,  Judy Huenink and husband Nick of Plymouth, NE, father,  Bruce Slaven and wife Julie of Beatrice, NE; sisters, Nicole Slaven and significant other Andrew Landon of Beatrice, NE, Pfc. Misti Slaven of Fort Bliss, El Paso, TX., Chastity Laflin of Plymouth, NE; twin brother, Sean Slaven of Beatrice; grandparents,  Bev Malchow of Beatrice, Charles and Marcelle Slaven of Galveston, TX, Jean and Jack Johnson of Pensacola , FL; step-sister,  Miranda Smith-Huenink of Henderson, Iowa.

Preceded in death by:  grandfather, Armin Malchow; sisters,  Angela and Jennifer Frerichs, aunt,  Mary Nispel

Funeral: 3:00 P.M. Tuesday, June 20, 2006,  St. John's Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Pastor David Kramer and Pastor Joann Kramer, officiating.  Burial will be at the Evergreen Home Cemetery, Beatrice.  Family prayer service: 2:45 P.M. Tuesday in Church.  In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to the family with the mortuary in charge.  Military honors by Army 320^th Ordinance Battalion and Nebraska Army National Guard.  Closed casket visitation will be Monday from 9:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M.; Tuesday from 9:00 A.M. until Noon at the funeral home and at the church one hour preceding services on Tuesday.  A guestbook is available for signatures and messages of condolence online at www.harmanwrightmortuary.com  Harman-Wright Mortuary in charge of arrangements.

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