Joseph Robert Sloan entered this world June 18, 1985, one minute before his twin brother Joshua Ryan, making him the older brother and giving him the right to use his brother’s name anytime he wanted. Five years later, his sister, Brooke Jerae, was born, and Joe instantly became her second father. Joe loved all things Nebraska, art, music, golf, animals, Huskers, his family, and every one of his many friends. He lived a life of healthy eating and activity. He was kind, caring, friendly, loving and always willing to sacrifice his time to help others. His creative endeavors evolved over the years from drawing and painting, to rapping and brainstorming new Laffy Taffy jokes, to eventually singing and writing his own songs while playing the piano and guitar. In later life, he developed a profound love for his nieces and nephews, who brought so much joy to his life. He would do anything to make them smile.
Joe attended St. Agnes Academy and Grandview Elementary in Alliance before the family moved to Gering, where he would graduate with the class of 2004. He graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 2008. After working in Omaha and farming in North Bend, he came home to western Nebraska to experience the cattle business. He had worked as an Originator for New Alliance Bean, WESTCO for 3 years before he died on February 21st, 2023 at the age of 37.
Joe leaves behind his parents, Jerry and Terri Sloan; Brother, Joshua (Amy); Sister, Brooke (Tyler) Briggs, Sister-Cousin, Jenn (Andrew) Bennett and Sister-Cousin, Amy (Justin) Hellman. Uncle Joe was dearly loved by Londyn, Savannah, Nash and Harley Sloan of Hastings, NE; Caden and Grayson Briggs of Windsor, CO; Sheppard and Sawyer Bennett of Omaha, NE; and Sloan Koehler of Omaha, NE. He is also survived by Uncle John (Ronna) Sloan; Grandparents Don and Sally Schott; Aunt Lou Anne Lundgren, Brittany (Chris) Rogers, Austin (Holly) Lundgren and Holden; Aunt Melissa (Eddie) Bennett, Chase (Megan) Bennett, Paislee, Tripp and Tyce; Tarah (Alton) Brent, Olittia, and Keegan Bennett.
Welcoming Joe will be Grandparents Dwight Sloan and Doris Sloan, Aunt Christine and Great Aunt Mirm. Upon entry into heaven, we suspect he started break dancing, introducing himself to any strangers and becoming instant friends with them while asking the best place to go to get a glass of milk and a knuckle sandwich. Eventually we anticipate him waiting at Heaven’s gate for his family and a long list of friends to join him. He will most likely call each one of us a “blister” for showing up when he has gotten all the work done.
Our Celebration of Life for Joey will be March 4th at 3 pm at the Weborg 21 Centre in Gering, Nebraska. Casual attire is welcome. Joe’s favorite refreshments will be provided. Memorial donations may be given to the family for designation at a later date. Family is working on the best way to honor Joe.