Steven “Boat” LeRoy Slaven, 64

Steven “Boat” LeRoy Slaven, 64, of Chelsea, IA, passed away March 7, 2023, at the Iowa River Hospice House in Marshalltown.

Boat was born May 6, 1958, in Grinnell, IA, to Guy and Bernice (Atwood) Slaven. He attended Grinnell High School and after his school years he worked at Cargill, JDL Construction and finally Manatt’s Inc. for the last 34 years.

In his younger days, Boat acquired his nickname from his infamous land yacht, a ’76 Mercury Grand Marquis with fender skirts. He loved watching all kinds of racing, from motorcycles and cars to boats and snowmobiles. He enjoyed sports, especially football, with Iowa State and the Miami Dolphins being his favorites. Boat also loved to talk about anything to anyone-he never met a stranger.

On June 21, 1997, he married Sally Balvin and together they raised four daughters. He was very proud of his girls and enjoyed their activities as they were growing up.

Boat is survived by his wife, Sally; daughters, Shae Slaven, Stephanie Slaven, Stacey Slaven and Shelby (Jacob Collison) Slaven; and his niece, Courtney Thorn.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Brenda Thorn.

A Rosary was prayed at 4 pm Monday, March 13, 2023, followed by visitation from 4:30-7 pm at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service in Belle Plaine.

Mass of Christian Burial was at 10 am, Tuesday, March 14th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Chelsea. Burial will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Chelsea.

Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com