Jeffrey Roy Wise

Celebrating Life

One of the kindest people on the planet has left this earth to join his parents in Heaven. Jeffery Roy Wise, passed away on November 7, 2023, in his home that he shared with his wife, Valeea. Jeff was 67 years old. Born September 27, 1956, in Logan, Utah, to Roy and Beverly Wise, he was the first child of that loving union. He was raised on the plains of Montana and the mountains of Idaho. The family lived in Logan and Ogden Utah; Challis, Idaho and Billings, Montana, where he attended grade school in Sandpoint, Idaho, where he attended Jr. High and High School, before his parents moved to Hayden, Idaho. Jeff loved being outside with his four brothers doing all the things that boys do in the great outdoors; hunting, fishing, playing in streams, rivers and lakes and riding his horse, Solomon, every now and then.

After graduation from Sandpoint High School, Jeff served a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the people of Lansing, Michigan, benefitted from his dedication in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He returned to his education at BYU Provo, where he studied and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. Also, during his time at BYU, he was an athlete that played on a championship intramural volleyball team. After graduation, he landed a job near Vancouver, Washington, for the State of Washington Highway Department. It was here, while attending a singles ward, that Jeff met his first wife, Patti Elmer. They were married in the Portland Temple and enjoyed bringing four beautiful children into their family: John, Dallin, Quinn and Annie. The family purchased a home with land in Woodland, Washington, where the kids were raised. Jeff was the kind of dad that would get home from work, sit down on the living room floor and start playing a fun card game with his kids, just settling in for family time.

Along with his work, he served in many capacities and callings at church. He was a father with a young family and served in the bishopric. He worked with the youth. For a time, he served as the executive secretary for his ward. Recently, he was called to be an ordinance worker with his wife in the temple. He was overjoyed with this prospect. He was always willing to share his time and talents, quietly, with others. He spent time riding dirt bikes with his kids and his extended Wise family. Most Saturdays were spent taking his four kids to the dirt bike track! After Jeff and Patti divorced, Jeff continued to serve his family and raise his children.

When his children were adults, he looked for a new companion to share his life with. He found Valeea, who had four children of her own; Desiree, Aubrey, Will and Weston. Jeff and Valeea were married in Salmon, Idaho on October 30, 2014. Jeff became the active step-dad to the youngest two boys, Will and Weston, who were still living at home. Jeff and Valeea have been married for 9 years. During that time, they have lived in LaGrande, then Cove and finally, Union Oregon.

Working as a civil engineer for his entire adult life, he retired from the Oregon Department of Transportation, where he was a Regional Manager Traffic Engineer. In retirement, Jeff has been recovering from a stroke, working on family history, building a new garage and traveling to see his children and his grandchildren. He loves being outdoors. Just this summer he bicycled the length of the Trail of the Hiawatha, determined to fully enjoy life after his stroke 24 months ago.

Jeff is preceded in death by his parents, Bev and Roy Wise. He is survived by his wife, Valeea, and his children and step-children, who will miss him dearly: John (Brooke) Wise, Dallin (Jessica) Wise, Quinn (Carmen) Wise, Annie (Will) Able, Desiree Fisher, Aubrey, Will, and Weston Steinbruegge, and his grandchildren Ethan, Lucas, Josie, Spencer, Riley, Hazel, June, and Rigdon Wise, and Beau, Red and Heath Able, and Sage Steinbruegge. He will also be missed by his surviving brothers and their wives, Mike and Amy, Dave and MaryLou, Jim and Alisa, Ben and Amy Wise and his many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Loveland Funeral Chapel in La Grande, Oregon. A viewing on Thursday, November 16, 2023 5-7 pm and service Friday, November 17, 2023 at 10:00 am.

Memorial donations in Jeff’s name can be made to Humanitarian Aid for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Philanthropies, 1450 N University Avenue, Provo, UT 84604. Obituary courtesy of Loveland Funeral Chapel. 

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