J.J. Sluka

Funeral service for Jonathan Ashford "J.J." Sluka will be 2 p.m., Wed., July 23, at River of Life Assembly of God with Pastor Rodney Wilborn officiating. Burial with military honors by the U.S. Army will follow at Highland Cemetery under the direction of the Inola Funeral Home & Crematory. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Tues. 1-8 p.m., and family will greet friends 5-8 p.m.

J.J. passed away Fri., July 18, 2014, at his home at the age of 60 surrounded by his loved ones. J.J. battled cancer bravely for the last 7 months.

The son of John Albert and Verna Ann (Brotherston) Sluka was born Dec. 9, 1953, in Roseau, MN. He grew up in Minnesota until he joined the Army in 1971. During his first year in the Army he met the love of his life, Brenda Chasteen. On Dec. 23, 1973, he married Brenda Faye Chasteen in Inola. They were married 40 wonderful years and had two beautiful children while building their lives in Inola. He loved to go racing with his wife, fishing, spending time with his grandchildren and riding his four wheeler. It was rare to see J.J. without a smile. He loved his family whole heartedly and smiled through all his pain.

J.J. was preceded in death by his parents; and grandchild, Brayden.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda of the home; children: Craig Sluka and wife, Amy of Inola, and Casey Shannon and husband, Joshua of Inola; 8 beautiful grandchildren: Hannah, Beau, Heather, Trenton, Luke, Logan, Ryley, and Hailey; and siblings: Jeff Sluka of Wisconsin, Susie Hodnik and husband, Dave of Minnesota, and Marci Boe of Minnesota.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.